New rapid-charge battery could transform EV landscape

Swiss technology firm Morand announced earlier this month they had developed a new battery technology that could charge in just over two minutes.

Morand listed multiple advantages of its tech in comparison with other commercially available EV products. In testing conducted by environmental and engineering services company Geo Technology, the “eTech” battery was found to reach 98% of its full charge in 120 seconds. Meanwhile, current commercially available products, such as the new Lucid battery, can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes with industrial-class DC chargers. Substantially reducing the charge time would improve both EV efficiency and consumer adoption. However, applications exist far beyond the auto industry. For example, NASA’s fast-charging technology, which uses a cooling system to achieve its results, was developed for future space travel.

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Morand’s design is also a budget-friendly alternative, thanks to cheaper production costs. Tesla alone has spent billions on lithium battery materials, and some automakers are planning to develop their own facilities to save expenses. Morand’s eTech, however, uses fewer precious materials, making it a cheaper option, and subject to less strain from supply chain interruptions.

Finally, Morand estimates that the eTech can survive upwards of 10,000 recharge cycles. All batteries degrade over time, with most EV units lasting up to 200,000 miles or 2000 recharges. The extended lifespan could also drive down production costs.

Morand’s battery holds great promise if it can secure investors and production partners. However, it faces competition from other startups looking to be the first on the scene. Whoever can achieve a breakthrough can expect immediate business from automakers seeking to gain an edge.

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