One of the most persistent barriers preventing growth in electric-vehicle (EV) adoption is the speed of charging. Current fast-charging technologies often require significantly longer wait times than a typical fill-up at a gas station, creating buyer hesitation.
Regarding performance, it isn’t even close to being close. EVs charge at varying speeds depending on the charger type: A Tesla EV using the latest V3 or V4 Supercharging units can do about 200 miles with 15 minutes of charging. DC fast chargers extend to 100 to 300+ miles in 30 minutes, while Level 2 home chargers add 10 to 20 miles per hour. A standard wall outlet (Level 1) adds only about 5 miles of range per hour.
OMI’s LnFP-Based Breakthrough
On that front, OMI has developed an approach centered on a nano-engineered, iron-based cathode chemistry. Using LnFP (lithium nano iron phosphate) technology as an active material, the company, which is a supplier to companies like Harley Davidson and Polaris Industries, said it developed a rapid ion transport cathode designed to handle charging at a 20C rate.
Battery C rates control how quickly a battery charges and discharges. A 1C rate means a 10-Ah battery can deliver 10 amps for one hour. A 20C rate charges a battery to full in just three minutes.
Allowing a battery to go from depleted to fully charged in three minutes could transform the operational reality for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and industrial equipment.
Rather than a theoretical projection or a laboratory simulation. OMI claimed it has successfully validated its proprietary LnFP active cathode material. LnFP is an emerging, cobalt-free cathode active material designed for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The company further stated that its fast-charging performance is achievable without sacrificing durability, safety, or stability.
In addition, today’s batteries are large, so if boosting capacity helps cut down their size, it will lead to more efficient vehicles.
OMI said its LnFP features a uniquely engineered particle architecture. Instead of the traditionally brittle and irregular structures found in many battery designs. The particles facilitate rapid electron exchange, which in turn enables fast-charging capabilities without compromising the battery’s lifespan.
A New Cathode Chemistry
OMI’s approach centers on a nano-engineered, iron-based cathode chemistry. The common cathode materials for today’s lithium-ion batteries include layered lithium cobalt oxide and materials such as Ni-Co-Mn or Ni-Co-Al, Olivine-structured lithium iron phosphate (Olivine is a common nesosilicate mineral) consisting of a 3D framework of PO4 tetrahedra and FEO6 octahedra, with 1D tunnels allowing for lithium-ion diffusion.
