Leclanché is preparing to launch lithium-ion batteries that uses a fire-retardant additive in its electrolyte formula composition to lower the risk of a thermal runaway by close to 80% without compromising cell performance.
The technology has been validated by third-party testing laboratory Intertek Germany, which conducted a series of industry standard nail penetration tests on Leclanché’s 60Ah cell.
The firm reports that cells put through the test exhibited a lower risk of fire than the same cells without the flame retardant additives.
The company’s new cells will be available for production in the first quarter of 2023.
The cells could be used in railroad, truck and bus markets.
Pierre Blanc, chief technology officer, Leclanché, said: “While the entire battery industry continues to place considerable R&D resources into the development of solid-state batteries, there’s a critical need to enhance the safety of today’s high energy density lithium-ion cell technology.
“Most efforts, until now, adversely impact the performance or longevity of cells. Leclanché has been able to develop a high performance and high energy density lithium-ion cell exhibiting high safety characteristics without any negative impact on performance or longevity.
“As technological advancements continue to be developed, this is a crucial improvement in state of the art cell technology, that does not require breakthrough technology that could still be several years away from commercial availability.”
Leclanché’s cells are manufactured in Germany using the company’s proprietary production process.
Electrodes are manufactured in a water-based process that the firm says shows a high stability towards the flame retardant additives contained in the new electrolyte, resulting in the maintenance of cell performance.
