Next-generation of lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular power sources for future transportation. Extending the driving range and enabling fast charging are key for promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.

The EU-funded SeNSE project aims to create next-generation lithium-ion batteries with a silicon-graphite composite anode and a nickel-rich Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cathode to reach a volumetric energy density of 750 Wh/l. Cycling stability is the key challenge for the adoption of this cell chemistry.

The objective is to reach 2’000 deep cycles by:

  1. reducing the surface reactivity of the active materials by a combination of novel film-forming electrolyte additives and active materials coatings,
  2. compensating irreversible lithium losses during the first cycles employing pre-lithiated silicon and providing an on-demand reservoir of excess lithium in the cathode,
  3. identifying and controlling critical cycling parameters with data provided from in-cell sensors.

The new battery will also provide a battery management system couped to dynamic in-cell sensors to enable faster charging, improved sustainability and recyclability, and reduced production costs.

SeNSE in figures

Duration

1 February 2020 – 31 January 2024

Budget

10.3m EUR (EU contribution: 100%)

Consortium

11 partners from 7 European countries,
6 companies,

2 universities and
3 research institutes