The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intends to jump start the development of "extreme fast charging" (XFC) by awarding $15 million to various projects.
The funding opportunity splits into two areas of interest: charging systems/vehicles, and batteries capable of fast charging.
The baseline requirements for funding include a 3C charging ability over a broad state-of-charge window (state of charge need to increase by at least 50% at 3C). Translated to the real world, it would mean an approximate increase in the state of charge from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes.
One of the first models that is intended to be capable of charging in 15 minutes is the Porsche Mission E, which will accept up to ~350 kW of power.
Baseline requirements:
- Identify a current baseline plug-in electric vehicle, and describe how the proposed project will incorporate XFC technology and lead to a value added for the demonstration vehicle in terms of reduced charging time.
- Identify specific vehicle types(s) (including light, medium, or heavy duty vehicles) and electric drive systems that will be developed and demonstrated.
- Demonstrate the ability of the proposed technology to decrease charging times relative to currently available technologies while maintaining currents to less than 400A.
- Assure that the battery state of charge increases by at least 50% with a 3C or greater rate of charging.
- Describe planned charger location(s), including infrastructure requirements and impacts at these sites.
- Include and describe partnerships with state governments, local governments, metropolitan transportation authorities, air pollution control districts, private or nonprofit entities, and component and/or subcomponent suppliers or combinations of these entities integrated within the project team to support the overall system design and demonstration effort.
- Include partnerships for the supply or co-development of components and/or subcomponents such as, but not limited to: battery packs, power electronics, controllers, chargers, sensors, cabling, and connectors.
In case of XFC, the requirements envisions "battery cells capable of achieving 500 cycles (with less than 20% fade in specific energy) consisting of a 10-minute fast charge protocol, while achieving or improving state-of-the-art cell specific energy and cost".
The point of reference for state-of-the-art, high-energy battery cell technology is >200 Wh/kg, <$150/kWh and 2C (30 minutes) charging capability.
Specific technical interests for achieving the objectives include, but are not limited to the following:
- Novel electrode and cell architectures
- Novel electrolytes
- Active material modifications
- Improved additives
source: Green Car Congress