California-based battery developer OneD Battery Sciences has formed a strategic alliance with German battery manufacturer Customcells, with the aim of collaborating on the development and delivery of prototype cells for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to a global automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). As part of this partnership, OneD is also establishing a presence in Europe.
While the specifics of the initial joint project have not been disclosed, Customcells has stated that it will support OneD in scaling up the industrialization of cells using Sinanode technology. OneD, on the other hand, will leverage Customcells’ expertise in automotive applications, although the exact nature of this application has not been revealed.
Sinanode technology, developed by OneD, involves the fusion of silicon nanowires directly onto graphite powder in the anode. This innovative approach allows for customization in terms of the type of graphite (natural or synthetic) and electrode coating (wet or dry). According to OneD, this technology has the potential to significantly increase charging speed and reduce the cost of electric vehicle batteries.
OneD has been actively working towards the industrialization of its technology, aiming to make silicon a viable material for the next generation of electric vehicles. Yimin Zhu, CTO of OneD, believes that incorporating more silicon into battery cells at a low cost, while maintaining existing supply chains and processes, will be a crucial factor in the future development of electric vehicles. Zhu expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Customcells, emphasizing that it will contribute to the widespread adoption of affordable electric vehicles.
However, Dr. Dirk Abendroth, CEO of Customcells, made a statement that seems to diverge from OneD’s focus on low-cost EVs. Abendroth emphasized the importance of customized premium battery cells for achieving sustainable mobility. Customcells is known to work closely with Porsche through its involvement in the Cellforce Group joint venture.
In addition to its partnership with Customcells, OneD has announced the expansion of its cell pilot production facility in Moses Lake, Washington. Furthermore, the company has established a subsidiary in Germany named Sinanode Europe GmbH, headquartered in Munich. Jan-Marc Luchies, formerly of Infineon, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the subsidiary, tasked with overseeing global pilot production and driving manufacturing strategies.
It remains to be seen how these developments align with Customcells’ plans. The company announced in 2022 its intention to build two additional battery cell factories in Germany to expand its production capacity beyond the existing sites in Itzehoe and Tübingen. Moreover, the Cellforce Group, in partnership with Porsche, is currently constructing a battery plant in Reutlingen-Nord/Kirchentellinsfurt, with plans to increase production capacity there tenfold to over one gigawatt-hour (GWh).
