NIO to partner with cell maker PLG for creating solid-state-battery-powered prototype

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese EV startup NIO and the Taipei-based solid-state battery cell maker Prologium Corporation (PLG) on August 22 agreed a strategic cooperation on production and application of solid-state batteries, according to PLG's press release.

Both parties reached a series of consensus with creating a prototype powered by PLG's MAB solid-state battery pack as their short-term goal. Besides, they would have more in-depth discussion in terms of the collaboration in manufacturing solid-state battery packs.

(Photo source: PLG)

Domestic and foreign vehicle makers have introduced plans related to the adoption of solid-state battery for the purpose of enhancing safety and recharge mileage. NIO chose to cooperate with ProLogium due to its high degree of commercialization and the innovative battery pack construction technology developed with regard to the advantage of solid-state battery, PLG said

As part of the “audacious” deployment in power battery, NIO let its second mass-produced model—the ES6—carry the CATL’s NCM811 battery, which contains 80 percent nickel, 10 percent cobalt and 10 percent manganese, has a longer lifespan and allows electric vehicles to go further on a single charge, a key point of EV performance.

Based on the respective percentage of nickel, cobalt and manganese, the combination of NCM battery material can be divided into NCM 111, NCM 523, NCM 622 and NCM811, etc. The higher proportion of nickel means the higher energy density, while may weaken part of heat stability. Thus, how to balance the range performance and battery safety is the difficulty to be overcome for all battery makers and NEV manufacturers.

Before the latest partnership with NIO, PLC struck a cooperation deal with another China-based EV startup Enovate at Auto Shanghai 2019 to jointly work on commercialization of solid-state battery.

Under the cooperation, ProLogium would empower the startup to use its solid-state lithium ceramic battery (LCB) technology and grant the latter the priority to upgrade cells for higher energy density. Enovate was expected to become the first EV manufacturer that uses solid-state batteries by virtue of the partnership.