FYI: Aspen Aerogels is slated to receive up to $670 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost the production of cutting-edge battery safety materials for electric vehicles.
Aspen Aerogels’ Revolutionary Thermal Innovation
Electric vehicles (EVs) are celebrated for their eco-friendly appeal, yet they carry certain risks, one being the rare but dramatic battery fires. The Massachusetts-based Aspen Aerogels is at the forefront of tackling this challenge with its leading-edge technology. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a conditional commitment to lend the company a substantial $670 million, aimed at amplifying the production of their innovative “thermal barriers” to inhibit EV fires.
Understanding Thermal Runaway and Its Risks
A crucial hazard in EV battery safety is “thermal runaway”—an unstoppable battery overheating process that can trigger long-lasting fires. Causes include cell damage, flooding, short circuits, and vehicle impacts. The barriers designed by Aspen Aerogels are paramount in controlling these fires, acting as a protective layer to limit spread and intensity.
Advancements in Safety Technology
Aspen Aerogels’ thermal barriers are incredibly lightweight, minimizing any detrimental effects on the battery’s energy efficiency and overall vehicle weight. These barriers are strategically positioned between battery cells, with installation costs varying from $300 to $1,000 per EV. These innovative solutions are already in contract with automobile giants such as General Motors, Toyota, Audi, and Scania, reinforcing Aspen Aerogels’ significant role in enhancing EV safety.
Expansion and Economic Impact
The anticipated funding will significantly impact the American job market, offering over 550 construction jobs and creating 255 permanent roles in operation at a new manufacturing plant in Register, Georgia. Once fully functional in 2027, this facility will have the capacity to produce thermal barriers for two million EVs per year, reinforcing the U.S.’s standing in global EV safety advancements.
Global Efforts Toward Enhanced Battery Safety
The EV industry isn’t the only entity prioritizing battery safety. South Korea’s LG Chem recently unveiled a “safety reinforced layer” designed to be a protective addition within battery cells, further emphasizing the global push towards enhancing EV safety standards.
A Future of Safer Roads
The mass production and affordability of these safety technologies are crucial for them to make a meaningful contribution to everyday road safety. With leading companies and innovations paving the way forward, the days of battery-induced anxieties could be numbered.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi.
