Summary
- Leclanché has developed a new Li-ion battery cell called XN50 with Echion Technologies’ XNO niobium-based active anode material
- The XN50 cell provides higher energy density than LTO technologies and maintains safety and performance standards in extreme conditions
- Leclanché is replacing its high-power LTO cell with XNO and offering new battery module and pack solutions
- XN50 is commercially available now and can deliver high power over an estimated cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles in heavy-duty applications
- Leclanché and Echion are working together to set a new standard for heavy-duty Li-ion batteries with XN50, which is specifically engineered for industrial and mass transportation applications.
Article
Swiss energy storage provider Leclanché has developed a new Li-ion battery cell called XN50, which features Echion Technologies’ XNO, a niobium-based active anode material. This cell is designed to outperform existing chemistries in heavy-duty e-mobility, rail, and marine applications. Leclanché plans to replace its current high-power lithium titanate (LTO) cell offering with XNO, offering a new set of battery module and pack solutions alongside its high-energy graphite/nickel manganese cobalt oxide (G/NMC) products. The XN50 cell is currently available commercially and is said to deliver 50% higher energy density compared to LTO technologies while maintaining stringent safety and performance standards in extreme conditions.
Leclanché’s XN50 cells have been shown to deliver high power over an estimated cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles in heavy-duty applications. Studies have demonstrated less than 3% capacity loss and less than 15% resistance growth after 1,000 2C/2C charge/discharge cycles at 45°C. The company’s water-based cathode formulation ensures that the XN50 cell electrodes are free of PFAS, further enhancing safety and environmental sustainability. Leclanché CEO Pierre Blanc expressed excitement about the launch of the world’s first commercial XNO Li-ion cell, stating that it is expected to replace LTO within the company’s product line and complement the current G/NMC offering as a fast-charging battery solution for heavy-duty applications.
Echion CEO Jean de La Verpilliere praised Leclanché’s innovation with the XN50 cell, noting that the company has set a new standard for heavy-duty Li-ion batteries. He highlighted Leclanché’s expertise and dedication over the past three years and expressed anticipation for the widespread implementation of XN50 in industrial and mass transportation applications. The collaboration between Leclanché and Echion aims to provide integrators and OEMs with a differentiated and high-performance battery option that meets the evolving needs of the transportation industry. By offering a battery solution that combines superior energy density, power delivery, and safety features, Leclanché and Echion are positioning themselves as leaders in the development of advanced energy storage solutions.
The introduction of the XN50 cell represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Li-ion battery technology, particularly in the context of heavy-duty applications such as e-mobility, rail, and marine transport. The enhanced energy density, cycle life, and safety features of the XN50 cell make it a compelling choice for integrators and OEMs seeking reliable and high-performance battery solutions for their products. The shift from traditional lithium titanate cells to the new XNO technology is expected to drive further innovation and competitiveness in the energy storage market, as companies like Leclanché and Echion continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with Li-ion batteries.
In conclusion, Leclanché’s partnership with Echion and the development of the XN50 cell represent a significant step forward in the advancement of battery technology for heavy-duty applications. By offering a battery solution that combines superior energy density, power delivery, and safety features, Leclanché is poised to emerge as a key player in the rapidly evolving energy storage industry. The successful commercialization of the XN50 cell underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving progress in sustainability and efficiency within the transportation sector. As the demand for high-performance battery solutions continues to grow, companies like Leclanché and Echion are at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge technologies that meet the evolving needs of the market.
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