# Ilika plc Begin PowerDrive Line Collaboration

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/ilika-plc-begin-powerdrive-line-collaboration/412759589
- Published: 2018-10-08T07:17:48+01:00
- Author: Giles Arbor

**[Ilika plc](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/ilika-plc/ika.l)**(
[LON:IKA](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/ilika-plc/ika.l)), a pioneer
in solid-state battery technology and materials innovation, announced today the 
commencement of the Ilika-led PowerDrive Line project and confirms that the Company
has now entered into a collaboration agreement governing the commercial terms of
the project with partners including Ricardo. Details of the all the project partners
were disclosed in the RNS of the 13 June 2018 at: [http://bit.ly/2Mma9EI](http://bit.ly/2Mma9EI)

Solid-state lithium battery technology is widely seen as having the potential to
transform the performance and safety of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(
EVs and PHEVs). The major benefits of solid-state batteries derive from their use
of non-flammable solid electrolyte as opposed to the organic solvent used in current
lithium-ion batteries, which is both flammable and has a relatively short useful
life. In terms of performance, solid-state lithium batteries offer the prospect 
of much faster charging times, increased energy density, increased life cycle of
up to 10 years, and extremely low discharge leakage.

The PowerDrive Line project has been awarded funding under the UK Government’s Faraday
Battery Challenge: Innovation R&D, round 2, with balancing contributions from the
project’s commercial partners. Funding will be provided via the UK’s innovation 
agency, Innovate UK. The Ilika-led PowerDrive Line project has attracted grant funding
of £4.4million in aggregate for all partners, of which Ilika will receive £2.3 million.

This 30-month collaborative project will develop a lithium based solid-state Stereaxä
battery for plug in hybrid and electric vehicles, establish a pre-pilot line for
solid-state battery cell technology and develop processes for a solid-state materials
supply chain. The innovative solid-state technology will enable safer, more energy
and power dense cells that will facilitate ultra-fast charging (enabling PHEV or
BEV drivers to charge their cars in under 25 minutes).

Ricardo will design and construct a prototype battery module to demonstrate its 
potential in-vehicle performance. Ricardo will also apply its industry-leading expertise
in EV Battery Management Systems (BMS) technology. By its incorporation of high 
processing power and model-based control capability, Ricardo’s approach is ideally
suited to the evaluation of new and innovative cell chemistries, where the careful
monitoring and close control of every aspect of battery cell and pack performance
can be essential for effective development and evaluation. Ricardo will additionally
develop the BMS to enable a capability for super and ultrafast charging at ratings
of 50-350 kW, in a manner that can be demonstrated in the prototype battery module.

> “Ricardo is pleased to be working alongside partners including Ilika, in this 
> important project for the future of electrified vehicles,” **commended Ricardo
> director for the passenger car and motorcycle market sector, Martin Tolliday.**“
> Solid-state lithium battery technology offers the potential of significant improvements
> in performance and safety, in a more compact and lighter weight package than current
> electric vehicle battery technology. If successful, solid-state battery systems
> could have a transformative effect on the market for EVs and PHEVs, helping the
> world decarbonize road transportation more quickly and effectively than would 
> otherwise be possible.”
> “We have a strong consortium to deliver this product innovation, with Ilika working
> together with a global leading automotive manufacturer, the UK’s leading automotive
> engineering consultancy and two of the country’s foremost process innovators. 
> We are looking forward to the rapid delivery of a globally significant technology
> solution,” **added Ilika plc CEO Graeme Purdy.**

Share on: