10 Startups Innovating the EV Battery Technology

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo put EVs at the forefront of global climate goals and national commitments during the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF) meeting earlier this year. This included a zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) collective goal covering battery, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles. The aim is to electrify over 50% of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and at least 30% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) by 2030. But as the nation pivots towards an electrified future, a challenging subplot unfolds—Indonesia’s intricate dance with nickel.

Indonesia is currently positioned as the largest vehicle market in the ASEAN region and a significant source of critical EV battery components and ingredients, mainly nickel. The Indonesian government has signed deals worth over US$15 billion in the last three years with international companies, including vehicle and battery manufacturers Hyundai, Ford, Volkswagen, Wuling, CATL, LG, and Foxxcon. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the carbon-intensive nature of Indonesia’s nickel processing industry, placing EV manufacturers in the delicate position of managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in their supply chains, urging these players to reconsider their investment plans.

Amongst these and many other challenges associated with EVs are some EV battery startups emerging as a new force in the industry moving away from Nickel altogether. Shortlisted by their innovation, market index, niche solution funding, and patented technology, these startups provide novel solutions to EV battery technology and are thus worth keeping a watch in 2024.

EV Industry Innovation Reports

This article provides information on ten such startups. However, you can download our exclusive report on 30 Startups innovating battery technologies by filling out the form below.

1. Lithium Werks (Acquired by Reliance New Energy)

Website	https://lithiumwerks.com/
HQ	Netherlands
Funding Amount	$10 Million
Investors	Undisclosed

What makes Lithium Werks different from other EV battery startups?

The energy density of lithium-ion is typically twice that of the standard nickel-cadmium. They are comparatively low maintenance and environmentally safer than their nickel-cadmium counterparts. 

Nanophosphate® Technology- The Nanophosphate® Lithium-ion battery technology provides stable chemistry, quicker charging, constant output, long cycle life, and improved cost performance. It lays the groundwork for safe systems while satisfying the most stringent client requirements. Multiple layers of protection are used at the chemical, cell, and system levels to provide an energy storage solution that is safer and more abuse-resistant than metal oxide lithium-ion chemistries. (Source)

Carbothermal Reduction (CTR) Process – Carbothermal Reduction (CTR), a technique to produce lithium iron phosphate cathode powder in a very efficient, cost-effective, stable, and scalable approach, is used to prepare Lithium Werks Cathode Materials. CTR has Lithium Werks lithium iron phosphate powder of high quality, longer-lasting, with more sustained conductivity, improved performance, and a superior cathode material that is more readily produced into cells. (Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Lithium Werks?

The APR18650m1B Power Cells from Lithium Werks provide a wide range of power, pulse, and standby applications. Whether the application requires remarkable cycle life or reliable float reliability. They deliver very high power due to their use of patented Nanophosphate battery technology. These batteries are used in electrified mobility devices. (Source)

The ANR26650m1B Power Cells from Lithium Werks are used in electrified mobility devices. Due to the use of unique Nanophosphate battery technology, they can supply a lot of power. The cells are fundamentally safe over a wide variety of temperatures and environments due to their lithium iron phosphate chemistry (LiFePO4). The Lithium Werks 26650 cells are appropriate for a wide range of power, pulse, and standby applications. (Source)

APR18650m1B Power Cell and ANR26650m1B Power Cell

How many Patents does Lithium Werks have?

Lithium Werks has filed 32 patent applications. Out of 32 applications, 12 patents are granted. They acquired Valence Technology in 2018 and their 3 granted patents were assigned to Lithium Werks.

2. Enevate Corporation

Website	http://www.enevate.com/
HQ	United States
Funding Amount	$192.6 Million

What makes the Startup different from others?

Silicon-dominant composite anode technology – Enevate Corporation produces lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) that use patented silicon-dominant composite anode technology called HD-Energy Technology. It increases energy density, reduces charging time, and improves safety. This technology enables the batteries to charge for 5 minutes for a 75-mile range or 10 minutes for a 150-mile range. Additionally, Enevate has developed a low-temperature capability that maintains its performance even at -40°C. The startup claim that EVs with their batteries can drive 30% more than other conventional batteries vehicles as their batteries can charge extremely fast. (Source)(Source)

Which are the crucial partnerships made by the startup?

In 2019, Enevate announced a partnership with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi to develop and test its HD-Energy Technology in electric vehicles. The companies plan to work together to integrate Enevate’s batteries into their EVs and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles globally. (Source)

Francois Dossa, Alliance Global Vice President, Ventures and Open Innovation, said that they expect it will help them “accelerate the electrification of their vehicles”:

“We are pleased to participate in Enevate’s latest funding round. This strategic investment allows us to support the development of Enevate’s proprietary, cutting-edge electrode technology. Continued development in this critical field will help us accelerate the electrification of our vehicles.” 

This startup has also worked with LG Chem, a leading battery manufacturer, to develop and validate its silicon-dominant anode technology. In addition, Enevate has collaborated with Intel to develop battery management systems and algorithms that optimize the performance of their batteries. (Source)

Other companies that have used or tested Enevate’s batteries include Mahindra Electric, an electric vehicle manufacturer in India, and ProLogium, a Taiwanese solid-state battery maker. Enevate has also received funding from companies such as Samsung Ventures, Mission Ventures, and Draper Nexus Ventures.

Overall, Enevate’s partnerships and collaborations demonstrate the growing interest and demand for their innovative battery technology in the EV industry.

How many Patents does Enevate have?

Enevate has more than 500 patents in its portfolio, of which 114 patents have been granted. The startup has filed more than 300 patents in the US. Besides it also filed patent applications in Europe, South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia.

3. Amprius

Website	https://amprius.com/
HQ	United States
Funding Amount	$305 Million
Investors	Boeing HorizonX Ventures

What differentiates the Startup from others?

100% Silicon Anode Battery – Amprius uses a silicon-dominant anode in its lithium-ion batteries, enabling them to store more energy than conventional graphite anodes. The silicon-dominant anode comprises silicon nanowires, which have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, enabling them to store more lithium ions.

In traditional lithium-ion batteries, the anode is composed of graphite, which has a limited capacity for storing lithium ions. As a result, graphite anodes can only store a certain amount of energy before they become saturated. Silicon anodes, on the other hand, have a much higher capacity for storing lithium ions, which means they can store more energy in the same amount of space.

However, silicon anodes have a major drawback: they tend to expand and contract during the charging and discharging process, which can cause the anode to crack and degrade over time. This has been a major challenge in using silicon anodes in commercial lithium-ion batteries.

Amprius has addressed this challenge by using silicon nanowires in its anodes. The nanowire structure allows some expansion and contraction without causing the anode to crack or degrade. Additionally, the startup has developed a proprietary manufacturing process that enables the company to produce the nanowires at scale while maintaining high quality and consistency.

Amprius’ batteries have demonstrated up to 30% higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries, translating to a longer driving range for electric vehicles. The company’s batteries have also demonstrated improved cycle life, meaning they can be charged and discharged more times before they degrade. (Source)

Source

What are the Major Partnerships of Amprius?

Several leading automotive and battery manufacturers have partnered with Amprius to integrate its technology into their products. 

Amprius has also worked with Airbus to develop high-energy-density batteries for use in electric aircraft. The company’s batteries have been tested in Airbus’ E-Fan electric aircraft, demonstrating their potential for use in aviation. (Source)

In 2022, the startup announced a three-year collaboration agreement with BAE Systems. Initially, Amprius will collaborate with BAE Systems’ Air business and provide its high-energy batteries that are specifically designed for electrically-powered flight applications. Both parties have agreed to explore potential business opportunities enabled by the use and supply of Amprius’ silicon nanowire anode batteries in the electric products that BAE Systems is developing in the UK. (Source)

How many Patents does the Startup have?

The startup has filed over 190 patent applications, of which 38 have been granted. Most of its patents have been filed in the US, while some are filed in Europe, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Israel, and Japan.

4. Factorial Energy

Website	https://factorialenergy.com/
HQ	United States
Funding Amount	$240 Million
Investors	Mercedes Benz, Stellantis, Gatemore Capital Management, WAVE Equity Partners, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors

What makes Factorial Energy different from other EV battery startups?

Electrode-Agnostic Production Process – Factorial Energy is a company that focuses on the research and development of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. Their electrode-agnostic production process results in a balanced performance and commercial-scale solid-state. (Source)

Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST™) – Factorial’s advancements are based on FEST™ (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology), which uses a patented solid electrolyte material to provide safe and dependable cell performance with high-capacity electrodes and has been scaled in 40Ah cells that operate at room temperature. FEST™ is safer than traditional lithium-ion technology, increases driving range, and is drop-in compatible for simple integration into existing lithium-ion battery production infrastructure. (Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Factorial Energy?

Solid-state Cell – Factorial Energy has created ground-breaking solid-state batteries that provide up to 50% more range per charge, increased safety, and cost parity with conventional lithium-ion batteries. (Source)(Source)

How many Patents does Factorial Energy have?

Factorial has only one patent, which they have acquired from Lionano.

Which Companies are using Factorial Energy’s Products/Services?

Factorial Energy has partnered with several companies, including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation. (Source)(Source)(Source)

5. Ampcera

Website	https://ampcera.com/
HQ	United States
Funding Amount	$2.9 Million
Investors	US Department of Energy

What makes Ampcera different from other EV battery startups?

Patent-Pending Technology – Ampcera unveiled its patent-pending technology for all-solid-state batteries in 2021. It is an internal heating battery design that is low-cost and energy-efficient. It is aimed at the solid electrolyte separator, which is a vital component in solid-state batteries. This cutting-edge technology enables solid-state batteries to give greater efficiency in cold weather, charging ultra-fast and safely and enhancing power rate and energy efficiency in next-generation electric vehicles. (Source)

Solid-State Electrolyte (SSE) – Ampcera offers a developing IP portfolio of high-performance designed SSE materials, innovative, scalable production techniques, and unique designs for solid-state batteries (SSBs) employed in electric vehicles (EVs) and beyond. (Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Ampcera?

Ampcera™ Solid-State Electrolyte Materials – Ampcera™ solid-state electrolytes are utilized in all-solid-state lithium batteries and other innovative lithium batteries. A solid electrolyte battery provides a higher energy density (2X) than a liquid electrolyte battery, superior safety, and long-term stability. Ampcera’s solid-state electrolyte and battery technologies are expected to achieve ultra-fast charging times of under 10 minutes with gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 450 Wh/kg and 1400 Wh/L, respectively. (Source)(Source)

How many Patents does Ampcera have?

Ampcera Inc has filed 6 patent applications, out of which 5 applications are pending while 1 patent has been granted. The startup has filed patents in the US.

Which Companies are using Ampcera’s Products/Services?

Ampcera has partnered with 200+ industry customers and R&D collaborators from 20+ countries to accelerate solid-state battery commercialization. (Source)

6. Cygni Energy

Website	https://www.cygni.com/
HQ	Telangana, India
Funding Amount	$21.7 Million
Investor	RTBI, Endiya Partners, Sasken Communication Technologies, and IndusInd Bank

What makes the Startup different from others?

Customized Lithium-ion Battery Packs – Cygni believes each battery application has unique requirements and necessitates a unique solution. Its battery packs are custom-tailored, technologically better, and distinctive to meet India’s diversified and complex transportation needs. (Source)

Built-in Battery Protection – The advanced lithium-ion battery from this startup is more efficient and long-lasting. It has a built-in battery protection mechanism that protects and maintains the battery. (Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by the Startup?

EV 2-Wheeler Battery – EV 2-Wheeler Batteries are available in nominal voltages of 24V, 48V, and 60V. Thermal Management, Swappable Batteries, GPS monitoring, and Automatic Cell Balancing are some of the features of the batteries. (Source)

EV 2-Wheeler Battery – 24V (0.67 KWH), 48V (1.34 KWH), 60V (1.44 KWH)

E-Rickshaws Batteries – These are 3-W Li-Ion Battery Packs for E-Rickshaws with a nominal voltage of 48V and 51V. Their Battery capacity is up to 200 Ah. Quick Recharge, Surge Protection, Better Thermal Management, and Maintenance Free are the features of the batteries. (Source)

E-Rickshaws Batteries – 48V (3.12 KWH) and 51V (3.57 KWH)

What are the Awards the Startup has received?

The startup has been awarded “Company of the Year in Battery Manufacturing” & “Battery Management System Innovation of the Year – Storage System” at the EV Battery Tech 2021 Awards Ceremony. (Source)

Which Companies are using the Startup’s Products/Services?

Cygni Energy has several clients, including Bounce, Tata Power, Ampere, Zomato, Kinetic, Marcedes Benz, Airtel, and Automobile. (Source)

8. Capacitech Energy

Website	https://www.capacitechenergy.com/
HQ	United States
Funding Amount	$897.3K
Investors	Creative Destruction Lab

What makes Capacitech Energy different from other EV battery startups?

Cable-Based Capacitor (CBC) Technology – The company’s Cable-Based Capacitor (CBC) technology is a flexible supercapacitor that stores energy in a wire-like form factor meant to be utilized off circuit boards. It may also be utilized to offset capacitors from the circuit board to the wiring infrastructure to minimize the size of electronics. (Source)

Features

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Capacitech Energy?

Cable-Based Capacitor – The Cable-Based Capacitor (CBC) developed by Capacitech Energy is a flexible supercapacitor that stores energy in a wire-like form factor that can be used off circuit boards. It can also be used to reduce the size of electronics by offsetting capacitors from the circuit board to the wiring infrastructure. The CBC works in conjunction with batteries to help with peak power, enhance power quality, offer backup power, minimize EMF/EMI, and miniaturize electronics. The capacitors can be used in various applications, including electric vehicles. (Source)(Source)(Source)

How many Patents does Capacitech Energy have?

Capacitech Energy has filed 2 patent applications. Both applications are pending.

9. Emuron

Website	https://www.emuron.com/
HQ	India

What makes Emuron different from other EV battery startups?

IoT-Enabled Battery Management System – Emuron supplies fleet operators with an internet of things (IoT)-enabled battery management system. It is an integrated product ecosystem featuring a digital SAAS platform to speed up the electric mobility experience. (Source)(Source)

Integrated Technology – Emuron features in-house hardware and software capabilities. As a result, all of the products are completely designed and produced in India. (Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Emuron?

Battery Management System – Hybrid supercapacitors are made up of arrays of carbon nanotubes and conducting polymers. They have a capacity of up to 600 F/g and are particularly stable during long-term cycling. These supercapacitors can be used in smart device batteries, electric cars, and other energy storage applications. (Source)(Source)(Source)

Others – Battery Tracking System, Battery Swapping Station, and Asset Management Platform are the other offering of the company. (Source)

Which Companies are using Emuron’s Products/Services?

Emuron has several clients, including Livguard, Lohum, CTech, Greenfuel, Okaya, Evlion Technologies, Batrixx, Ipower, Phenix, and Trontek. (Source)

9. Titan Advanced Energy Solutions

Website	https://titanaes.com/
HQ	United States
Funding Amount	$44.5 Million
Investors	HG Ventures, Energy Innovation Capital, SE Ventures, US Department of Energy

What makes Titan AES different from other EV battery startups?

Ultrasound-Based Technology – Titan combines ultrasound-based technology and advanced algorithms to detect and analyze the condition and charge of lithium-ion batteries in real-time. The system gives information on the battery system’s state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH). Ultrasound employs high-frequency (over 20kHz) radiation to conduct diagnostics and produce real-time measurements. (Source)(Source)

Advanced Signal Processing And Machine Learning – Titan employs advanced signal processing and machine learning to monitor the degradation of Li-ion batteries cycle by cycle, providing insight to electric vehicle manufacturers, ESS providers, consumer electronics businesses, and battery manufacturers on how to maximize the capacity, longevity, and security of their batteries and battery-powered products. (Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Titan AES?

U-BMS™ – Titan’s Ultrasonic Battery Management System, U-BMS™, converts an open-loop system to a closed-loop system and enables higher range, lifetime, and safety for batteries and battery-powered products. The U-BMS incorporates ultrasonic sensors into the battery system, which, when combined with machine learning algorithms, provide real-time intelligence on a battery’s condition of health, state of charge, and safety factors. For certified pre-owned EVs and second-life repurposing, it enables safe, fast charging and enhanced battery health knowledge. (Source)

U-BMS™ – Real-Time Monitoring

Others – Scorpion™ and BAQA™ are the other offerings of the company. (Source)(Source)

Scorpion™

The Battery Manufacturing Opportunity

What are the Awards Titan AES has received?

Titan won a second U.S. Department of Energy award in 2021 for building an early warning system to detect dangerous lithium-ion batteries and won a Phase I award in 2020 for developing a prototype of the device. (Source)

Titan was named one of seven winners of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize Phase II in 2020. (Source)

How many Patents does Titan AES have?

Titan AES has filed 7 patent applications, out of which 6 applications are pending while 1 application got discontinued. The startup has filed patents in the US, China, Europe, and Taiwan.

Which Companies are using Titan AES’s Products?

Titan’s customers include Schneider Electric, Energy Innovation Capital, and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). (Source)

10. Nerve Smart Systems

Website	https://nervesmartsystems.com/
HQ	Denmark
Funding Amount	€2.5 Million
Investors	EU Executive Agency for SMEs

What makes Nerve Smart Systems different from other EV battery startups?

Nerve Switch® Technology – Nerve Switch® is a technology that acts as a powerful Battery Management System (BMS), allowing for regulated and efficient single-cell battery management. The technology enables dynamic cell stack reconfiguration by continually determining and setting the appropriate battery structure during operation based on the actual power usage. (Source)(Source)

What Innovative Products and Services are offered by Nerve Smart Systems?

TOPChargE B-HPC – The TOPChargeE system is a battery-integrated high-power charger that combines the fast-charging capabilities of state-of-the-art DC high-power chargers for electric vehicles. The Nerve Switch® technology of the battery management system allows the system to bypass all the traditional power electronics of a DC HPC. While reaching the desired high power charging speeds, power conversion losses are minimized, and grid stress is greatly reduced owing to the management system. (Source)

What are the Awards Nerve Smart Systems has received?

In 2020, Nerve Smart Systems received the award for Best Start-up at the SDG Tech Awards. (Source)

How many Patents do Nerve Smart Systems have?

Nerve Smart Systems has filed 10 patent applications, out of which 6 applications are pending while 4 patents are granted. The startup has filed patents in the US, Europe, Canada, China, and South Korea.

Which Companies are using Nerve Smart Systems’s Products?

Nerve Smart Systems has several clients, including OK a.m.b.a. (Source)

Conclusion

Looking at the above start-ups, it seems each one of them is competing to bring out the best innovation in the market. The industry giants have already started collaborating with these startups. With this ratio, there’s no doubt that we’ll see more collaborations soon.

And these were just a handful of startups from the full report. If you are planning to collaborate with the right EV Startup or even if you want to innovate in Battery Technology, you must keep a watch on the complete startup list. Get exclusive access to the report by just filling out the form below.