CRG has received notification of a $1.1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a new type of battery that could make electric vehicles more affordable and efficient. This funding supports CRG’s work on a technology that uses sulfur, a common byproduct of oil and gas refining, as a key battery material.
Lithium sulfur (Li-S) cell chemistry promises to create batteries that last longer, store more energy, and cost less than current options. Importantly, this new battery technology could reduce U.S. reliance on critical minerals like nickel and cobalt, which are primarily sourced from China.
Key benefits of the new Li-S battery technology:
- Longer Lifespan: CRG’s team has tackled the common issue of short cycle life in Li-S batteries, designing a battery that lasts longer, reducing the frequency of replacements.
- More Energy: The new batteries are expected to hold more energy, allowing electric vehicles to travel greater distances on a single charge.
- Lower Cost: By using sulfur, a cheap and abundant material, the cost of batteries could drop by up to 30 percent.
- Energy Independence: Using sulfur instead of imported minerals reduces reliance on foreign resources, strengthening U.S. energy security.
In the first phase of the project, CRG made significant progress in improving the performance of these sulfur-based batteries. The next phase will focus on refining the technology and scaling up production to bring these advanced batteries closer to commercial use.
The company’s work on this project could have a major impact not only on the future of electric vehicles but also on other areas like renewable energy storage and portable power for military applications.