Summary
– Prototype cells in Polestar 5 EV can do a 10-80% charge in 10 minutes.
– The cells used are StoreDot’s “100-in-5” XFC cells.
– These cells are not solid-state but are an evolution of lithium-ion cell tech.
– The cells do not require specialist cooling systems, potentially saving weight in EVs.
– The tech is not expected to be in production models soon, but mass-production is targeted by 2024.
Article
Polestar has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its upcoming Polestar 5 flagship EV, with prototype cells capable of doing a 10-80% charge in just 10 minutes. Last year, the company announced its plans to fit these fast-charging cells to a prototype Polestar 5, aiming to gain 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes by 2024. The results from the drivable Polestar 5, equipped with a 77-kwh battery pack, have exceeded expectations, showcasing an impressive charge rate.
To achieve this milestone, Polestar utilized StoreDot’s “100-in-5” XFC cells and a prototype Polestar battery module in the prototype Polestar 5. The pack was able to be charged at a starting rate of 310 kw and peak at 370 kw. These cells, while not all-solid-state, are a significant evolution of lithium-ion cell technology, incorporating proprietary organic and inorganic compounds optimized by Artificial Intelligence algorithms. This innovative approach has allowed the cells to deliver superior performance.
Although the energy density of these cells is comparable to current NMC lithium-ion cells, they do not require specialist cooling systems. This could potentially reduce the weight of complete EVs by hundreds of pounds. However, it remains unclear if the test Polestar 5 is operating without a liquid cooling system. While the technology shows great promise, it is unlikely to be integrated into production models in the near future, as the production Polestar 5 will feature a different battery pack.
Looking ahead, Polestar will need to evaluate the durability and reliability of these fast-charging cells within the thermal demands of a large electric vehicle battery pack. StoreDot aims to achieve mass production of EV-sized batteries using this technology by 2024. The collaboration between Polestar, StoreDot, BP, and Volvo, in which both BP and Polestar are investors, will allow for real-world testing and further development of the technology.
Overall, the successful demonstration of ultra-fast charging capabilities in the Polestar 5 prototype marks a significant step forward in the advancement of EV battery technology. By leveraging StoreDot’s innovative XFC cells, Polestar has showcased the potential for rapid charging without the need for specialized cooling systems. While there are still challenges to overcome before this technology can be implemented in production models, the progress made so far is promising for the future of electric vehicles. With ongoing testing and development, Polestar is well-positioned to further enhance the performance and efficiency of its upcoming flagship EV.
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