Lithium-ion battery performance has reached a plateau in recent years, but a breakthrough in battery technology is about to change that. Using silicon instead of graphite, the commonly used material in battery anodes today, enables significantly higher energy density and faster charging. The new tech has attracted the attention of big players such as GM, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Airbus. CNBC spoke with three companies working on silicon anodes — Sila Nanotechnologies, Amprius Technologies and Group14 Technologies, to learn how the new batteries will transform electric vehicles, consumer electronics and more.
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction
01:54 — Silicon anodes
04:03 — Companies involved
09:04 — What's next
Produced and Shot by: Andrew Evers
Edited by: Dain Evans
Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt
Animation: Josh Kalven
Narration Magdalena Petrova
Additional Camera: Katie Brigham
Additional Footage: Amprius Technologies, Getty Images, Group14 Technologies, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Sila Nanotechnologies, WHOOP, AALTO
Correction (4/14/23): Group14 is operating a commercial-scale plant at its Woodinville, Washington headquarters that produces 120 tons of material per year.
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Why The Auto Industry Is Betting On Silicon Anode Batteries