Summary
– Wildcat Discovery Technologies specializes in evaluating battery materials and chemistries using high-throughput testing platforms
– The company is in the process of building a US plant to produce nickel-free and cobalt-free cathode materials
– Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) has become the fastest-growing cathode material in the EV industry
– LMFP is a manganese-rich version of LFP that offers higher energy density
– Wildcat is also developing a new cathode material called DRX, which is expected to be competitive in terms of performance and cost in the market.
Article
Wildcat Discovery Technologies is a company specializing in rapidly evaluating battery materials and chemistries through high-throughput testing platforms. They are now transitioning to becoming a producer of cathode materials, with plans to build a US plant to manufacture nickel-free and cobalt-free cathode materials. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) has emerged as a popular cathode material due to its safety and longevity, leading to it becoming the fastest-growing cathode material in the EV industry. Manufacturers have been able to design batteries with high pack-level energy density using LFP, overcoming its previous limitations.
A version of LFP known as LMFP, which replaces some iron with manganese, has also gained interest for its similar performance to LFP but with the added benefits of higher energy density and lower cost due to the abundance of manganese. Wildcat is working on an even newer cathode material called DRX, which offers a significant increase in energy density and safety advantages as a no-nickel, no-cobalt product. Plans are underway to produce LFP in the US initially, followed by LMFP and DRX as the company ramps up production at their new plant.
Wildcat’s President and CEO, Mark Gresser, discussed the company’s strategic shift towards cathode material production and highlighted the advancements made in developing the DRX cathode. The DRX cathode, based on disordered rock salt, offers high energy density, lower costs, and promising safety features. The company has partnered with organizations like CBMM and BMW for the development of DRX, with plans to scale up production in the US. The advantages of DRX, such as its abundant and low-cost materials, make it a competitive option for the EV market.
The implementation of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has played a significant role in driving investments in domestic EV battery materials, shaping Wildcat’s decision to manufacture materials in the US. The IRA provisions have incentivized the production of cathode materials locally, enabling companies like Wildcat to compete with global manufacturers by leveraging tax incentives and tariffs. The company aims to adhere to IRA compliance by establishing supply chains and manufacturing processes that align with the act’s guidelines.
The development of cathode materials like LFP, LMFP, and DRX is part of Wildcat’s strategy to cater to the diverse needs of the EV and stationary storage markets. The company’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of new battery technologies by providing customized solutions for customers have been aided by their high-throughput R&D capabilities. The progression towards commercial production of cathode materials reflects Wildcat’s commitment to being a leading provider of battery materials and innovations in the industry.
Going forward, Wildcat plans to begin producing LFP material by 2026, with the goal of shipping cathode powder to cell makers and customers by 2027. The company’s new manufacturing plant is in the final phases of design, with plans to locate it in the Southeast of the US, while retaining their R&D headquarters in San Diego. By leveraging their expertise, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Wildcat aims to establish itself as a key player in the battery materials market and contribute to the advancement of clean energy technologies.
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