Asahi Kasei licenses electrolyte technology to EAS Batteries
Chemical manufacturer Asahi Kasei and German battery manufacturer EAS Batteries signed a license agreement for the use of Asahi Kasei’s acetonitrile-containing electrolyte technology. The electrolyte will be used in EAS’s ultra-high power lithium-ion battery cell using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode.
The electrolyte’s high ionic conductivity contributes to reduced internal cell resistance and enhanced rate capability, even under demanding temperature conditions. The market launch of EAS Batteries’ new cell utilising this technology is in line with Asahi Kasei’s commercialisation plans, with the product scheduled to be released no later than March 2026, the firms say.
The development of the new cylindrical, ultra-high-power cell, UHP601300 LFP 22, is based on a collaboration between Asahi Kasei and EAS Batteries, with financial support from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space under the so-called Headline project. Under this collaboration, Asahi Kasei designed its electrolyte technology to target demanding applications in marine, railway, and construction machinery.
In 2010, Asahi Kasei began developing high ionic conductive electrolyte, with Honorary Fellow Akira Yoshino focusing on acetonitrile as a promising ingredient in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. In June 2024, the company announced the successful proof of concept for lithium-ion batteries using its proprietary high ionic conductive electrolyte containing acetonitrile. This technological breakthrough enables increased power output at low temperatures and improved durability at high temperatures.
Designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the mobility, industrial, and aerospace sectors, the new cell, with a capacity of 22 Ah, demonstrates a specific power of 2,550 W/kg under continuous discharge conditions. This is approximately 60% higher than that of cells using conventional electrolytes.
It also delivers an impressive 3,760 W/kg under a 2-second pulse discharge, representing a 10% improvement. In addition, the cell exhibits a cycle life of 2,400 cycles at 5C/5C (100% DoD) at room temperature before reaching 80% of its initial capacity. This performance was demonstrated by testing with the charge and discharge current set at 110 A, which corresponds to a fast full charge and discharge cycle completed in just 24 minutes. The reduced internal resistance of the new cell also results in lower heat generation during cycling and improved energy efficiency compared to cells using conventional electrolytes.
Asahi Kasei and EAS Batteries have agreed to sublicense their combined technologies to global OEMs and battery manufacturers, aiming to expand into mobility applications.
