Rimac Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicles
- Croatian electric vehicle technology company rimac Technology announced a new solid-state battery pack platform on March 6, 2024, promising important advancements in energy density, safety, and charging speed.
- Traditional lithium-ion batteries utilize a liquid electrolyte, which is flammable and can contribute to thermal runaway - a major safety concern.
- Rimac's new platform aims to capitalize on these benefits.
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Rimac Unveils Solid-State Battery Technology, Aiming for Next-Gen EVs
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Croatian electric vehicle technology company rimac Technology announced a new solid-state battery pack platform on March 6, 2024, promising important advancements in energy density, safety, and charging speed. The technology, developed in collaboration with ProLogium and Mitsubishi Chemical Group, targets a broad range of EV applications, from high-performance vehicles to mainstream models.
The Promise of Solid-State Batteries
Traditional lithium-ion batteries utilize a liquid electrolyte, which is flammable and can contribute to thermal runaway – a major safety concern. Solid-state batteries replace this liquid with a solid electrolyte, drastically reducing the risk of fire and enabling higher energy density. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solid-state batteries have the potential to nearly double the energy density of current lithium-ion technology.
Rimac’s new platform aims to capitalize on these benefits. The company claims the technology will deliver increased range, faster charging, and improved safety compared to existing EV battery solutions. While specific performance figures weren’t promptly released, Rimac emphasized the scalability of the platform for various vehicle types.
Rimac’s Collaboration and Technology Details
Rimac Technology didn’t develop this technology in isolation. The company partnered with two key players: ProLogium, a Taiwanese solid-state battery manufacturer, and Mitsubishi Chemical Group, a Japanese chemical company. ProLogium is providing the solid-state battery cells, while Mitsubishi Chemical Group contributes materials and expertise in polymer technology.
The collaboration leverages ProLogium’s advancements in solid-state electrolyte materials and manufacturing processes. ProLogium has been working on solid-state battery technology for over a decade and claims to be on the verge of mass production. Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s involvement focuses on developing and supplying high-performance polymer materials crucial for battery packaging and structural components. Rimac’s role centers on integrating these components into a complete battery pack solution optimized for automotive applications.
Rimac’s Position in the EV landscape
Rimac Technology has quickly established itself as a leading innovator in the electric vehicle space. Founded by Mate Rimac in 2009, the company initially gained recognition for its high-performance electric hypercars, most notably the Nevera. The Nevera, boasting over 1,900 horsepower, demonstrated Rimac’s capabilities in electric powertrain technology.
Beyond hypercars, Rimac has expanded into supplying components and technology to established automotive manufacturers. The company currently provides electric drivetrains to brands like aston Martin and Koenigsegg.In 2021, Rimac Group merged with Bugatti, forming a new company called Bugatti Rimac, further solidifying its position in the high-performance automotive sector. This new battery technology represents a strategic move for Rimac to become a