Battery developer StoreDot has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully demonstrating its Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology in a car for the first time. The impressive feat involved charging a Polestar 5 prototype from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for rapid charging in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
The fully driveable Polestar verification prototype experienced a consistent charge rate, starting at 310 kW and reaching a peak of over 370 kW towards the end of the charging process. This remarkable achievement highlights the efficiency and speed of StoreDot's XFC technology in real-world applications.
The 10-minute extreme fast charging session utilized silicon-dominant cells within a driveable vehicle, a significant departure from traditional laboratory settings. A specially commissioned 77 kWh battery pack was employed, with the possibility of scaling up to at least 100 kWh, potentially adding 200 miles (320 km) of range to a mid-sized electric car within the same 10-minute timeframe.
This successful XFC test conducted by Polestar and StoreDot battery engineers serves as a proof-of-concept for the innovative battery technology that could be integrated into future Polestar vehicles. StoreDot's XFC technology boasts silicon-dominant cells with energy density comparable to leading NMC cells, eliminating the need for specialized cooling systems within the vehicle.
The experimental XFC battery modules not only enhance mechanical properties and cooling capabilities but also contribute to weight reduction, ensuring high recyclability and serviceability. This design approach underscores StoreDot's commitment to sustainable and efficient battery solutions for the EV market.