Summary
- UK firm Ilika is heading towards commercial production of its "Goliath" solid-state EV battery with government assistance
- Solid-state EV batteries aim to eliminate fire hazards posed by conventional lithium-ion batteries and improve performance
- Ilika’s Goliath battery passed safety tests and is being developed for gigascale production in the UK
- UK government support includes funding from the Automotive Transformation Fund for battery technology
- Taking action, such as contacting representatives in Congress or supporting organizations challenging anti-clean tech efforts, can help counter attacks on clean tech innovation
Article
The field of clean tech innovation in the US has slowed down under President Trump’s administration, leaving room for other countries to take the lead. UK firm Ilika is one such example, known for its micro-batteries, now moving towards commercial production of its “Goliath” solid-state EV battery with assistance from the UK government. The Goliath battery aims to provide electric vehicles with lighter, safer, cheaper batteries that offer longer ranges and faster charging capabilities compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, which pose fire hazards due to their flammable liquid electrolytes.
Ilika recently completed additional safety tests for its D5 prototype solid-state EV battery, marking a significant milestone in their quest to develop a safer and more efficient battery technology for electric vehicles. Solid-state batteries use non-flammable solid or semi-solid electrolytes instead of liquid, making them safer and more reliable. This technological advancement could potentially reduce the need for extensive safety systems in EVs, leading to lighter and less expensive designs with longer ranges and faster charging capabilities.
The UK government has been supportive of Ilika’s solid-state EV battery development, providing funding and collaboration opportunities through the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre. This partnership has enabled Ilika to demonstrate that the Goliath battery can be manufactured in a giga-scale factory using standard equipment already in use by battery makers. The aim is to scale up production and reduce manufacturing costs for solid-state batteries, making them more competitive in the EV market.
Amidst the progress in clean tech innovation in the UK, the US is facing challenges as President Trump attempts to undermine federal agencies and clean tech programs. The collapse of Tesla sales in some markets highlights the impact of these actions on the EV industry. However, public opinion and legal challenges against Trump’s policies are mounting, with voters and organizations pushing back against his attempts to derail clean tech progress. The public is urged to take action by contacting representatives in Congress and supporting legal challenges against Trump’s anti-clean tech initiatives.
As the UK and other countries advance in the development of solid-state EV batteries, the future of cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles looks promising. Ilika’s progress with the Goliath battery and collaborations with industry partners demonstrate the potential for widespread adoption of solid-state technology in the automotive sector. With government support and global partnerships, the transition towards clean energy and sustainable transportation is gaining momentum, despite challenges in certain regions.
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