NanoMalaysia to start producing graphene-enhanced lithium-ion batteries for EVs
NanoMalaysia (NMB) is set to begin small-scale production of a graphene-enhanced lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles at its 15,000-square-foot facility in Sepang, Malaysia. By incorporating graphene instead of graphite, the battery aims to triple energy storage capacity, which could significantly enhance the performance of carbon-based materials in EV applications.
NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), under the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is set to commence small-scale production of a graphene-enhanced lithium-ion battery designed for electric vehicles (EVs). This development marks a significant step in local battery technology production.
The battery, developed at a cost of approximately RM20 million (nearly US$5 million), will be manufactured at Gigafactory Malaysia, a subsidiary of NanoMalaysia. Established in 2011, the factory is poised to become Malaysia's first local battery technology production facility.
According to Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia, the battery employs a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry, substituting graphene for graphite to potentially triple energy storage capacity. The graphene-enhanced battery is expected to deliver a driving range of up to 640 km per charge and supports fast charging. It is particularly suited for EVs with energy densities exceeding 200 Wh/kg.
NanoMalaysia has secured an order from a local organization for a 25-kWh battery, with additional agreements under negotiation. The company plans to advance to megawatt-hour (MWh) capacity production by September 2026. While pricing details are not disclosed, local production is anticipated to reduce EV costs by eliminating import-related expenses.
The production facility, located in Suria Industrial Park, Sepang, covers 15,000 square feet and aims to produce around one MWh of battery capacity annually, equivalent to 92,000 battery cells. NanoMalaysia is also exploring a strategic partnership with Indonesia for nickel supply and potential export markets in Indonesia, South Korea, India, and Pakistan. Plans for recycling end-of-life batteries are underway to ensure raw material security.
Source: Graphene Feed