American tech firm Solidion has developed an innovative system that can fully charge electric vehicle (EV) batteries in just five minutes. This breakthrough technology aims to eliminate range anxiety, one of the biggest concerns for EV owners, by providing fast charging capabilities under any climate conditions.
How Solidion’s Fast-Charging Technology Works
Solidion’s technology features a graphene-based heat spreader that rapidly heats the batteries, enabling quick charging even in cold weather. During charging, this heat spreader warms the battery, while an automatic cooling system prevents overheating when the battery is in use. According to Solidion, this system is designed to overcome common charging difficulties in winter, addressing limitations found in current battery technology.
A Crucial Step for Competing with Combustion Vehicles
To compete with internal combustion engine vehicles, EV charging times need to be as fast as refueling times. However, cold climates can slow down charging, causing frustration for EV drivers. Solidion’s new graphene-based heat spreader resolves this challenge by maintaining an ideal temperature during charging.
Graphene’s Superior Properties and Commercial Plans
Solidion’s system uses graphene with a high thermal conductivity of 5,300 W/m-K, far exceeding copper. This property allows for secure, rapid charging, and Solidion aims to commercialize this technology within 2-3 years.
Additionally, the company has developed a cost-effective process to produce anode-grade graphite from recycled materials and biomass, addressing an anticipated annual graphite shortfall of 1.4 million tons by 2028.