PowerCo selects OCSiAl nanotubes for battery additives
PowerCo, Volkswagen Group's battery subsidiary, selected OCSiAl to supply TUBALL single-wall carbon nanotube additives for the graphite anodes of its Unified Cell platform, manufactured at OCSiAl's Serbia facility. The deal expands the role of single-wall carbon nanotubes in large-scale EV battery production, with OCSiAl now supplying the majority of European EV battery manufacturers and planning a $300 million graphene nanotube facility in Luxembourg.
PowerCo, the battery subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, has chosen OCSiAl to supply nanotube additives for its Unified Cell battery platform. OCSiAl, based in Luxembourg, will provide these additives for the graphite anodes in PowerCo's standardized battery cells, with production taking place at its Serbian facility.
OCSiAl's TUBALL nanotubes are designed to form a conductive, reinforcing network that stabilizes both cathode and anode systems in lithium-ion batteries. These single-wall carbon nanotubes enhance the electrical conductivity of graphite anodes and improve heat dissipation, allowing battery cells to handle higher charging and discharging currents without overheating. This makes them suitable for PowerCo's unified cell, which aims to improve safety, charging performance, and battery longevity.
The company currently supplies the majority of European electric vehicle battery manufacturers with its nanotubes and is considering expanding production capacity in Europe to meet growing demand. Plans include a $300 million investment in a flagship facility for graphene nanotubes in Luxembourg.
PowerCo's unified cell, produced at its Salzgitter plant since December, is a prismatic battery cell with a standardized format. This design allows for use across various Volkswagen Group brands and markets, offering economies of scale and technological flexibility. The cell format supports different chemistries, including future solid-state cells, to cater to a range of vehicle segments from small electric cars to luxury SUVs.
The unified cell concept, initiated under former Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess, is being implemented in the Electric Urban Car Family, featuring the VW ID. Polo with both LFP and NMC cells.
Source: Carbon Nanotubes Feed