The Energy Technology Centre (ITE) Achieves Battery Charging in Under 15 Minutes

The Energy Technology Centre (ITE), located in Valencia, has announced a pioneering breakthrough in battery research for electric mobility. Thanks to the PROMOBAT project, the research team has developed battery prototypes capable of fully recharging in less than 15 minutes, all while ensuring safety and extending their lifespan.

This achievement, with a distinctly Spanish hallmark, represents a decisive step towards the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, both for private use and for public transport and logistics fleets.

In recent months, at their pilot battery plant, ITE researchers have worked intensively on prototyping cells and modules based on advanced technologies.

This has included the development of high-energy-density batteries through an innovative combination of materials, new cell designs, and sophisticated thermal management systems. These advances are crucial to overcoming the safety and overheating challenges associated with ultra-fast charging.

A distinctive achievement of the project has been the fabrication of solid-state cell prototypes with hybrid electrolytes. These cells represent a significant improvement in performance compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, promising a notable increase in efficiency and safety. The incorporation of thermal interface materials and control electronics, along with advances in the development of silicon-carbon (Si-C) anodes, are precursors to a new generation of solid-state batteries.

Alberto León, head of the PROMOBAT project at ITE, highlighted the importance of this milestone: "The great challenge in the sector has always been to reduce charging times without compromising safety. With PROMOBAT, we have achieved prototypes that allow a battery to be fully charged in less than 15 minutes, keeping within the optimal operating range, improving thermal dissipation, and enhancing safety levels. This advancement can facilitate access to faster and more sustainable electric mobility."

Beyond the technical improvement in the laboratory, PROMOBAT is modernizing the battery sector's value chain in Spain. The project establishes a comprehensive methodology for quality and safety assessment, accelerating the detection of potential issues and ensuring the long-term performance of the developed systems. This milestone not only reduces one of the main barriers to entry for the general public but also contributes to sustainability and the fight against climate change by promoting the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The PROMOBAT project, with file number IMDEEA/2024/90, has been funded by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE+I) and the Generalitat Valenciana, with the support of the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF). ITE has worked closely with companies and technological organizations in the area, facilitating knowledge transfer and accelerating the arrival of these advances to the market and society.