Electric vehicles are key in tackling climate change and improving air quality in towns and cities. The UK government plans to ban the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035. However, slow recharging speeds are proving a major deterrent for consumers, with the fastest electric car batteries on the market taking at least one hour to recharge.

Research that began at the University of Cambridge Engineering Department has led to a potential solution – high-power lithium (Li)-ion battery anode materials that enable low-cost, superfast charging for even the most demanding applications.

This new battery technology, produced by University spin-out Echion Technologies, enables 6x faster charging than conventional Li-ion batteries, with significantly improved safety and cycle life. The Echion materials reach up to double the energy density of Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) cells, the technology that they are displacing. The new technology is being trialled by major automotive Original Equipment Manufactures and battery manufacturers. Echion has attracted £13 million in equity investment, has won numerous grants and awards, employs 30 staff and has helped make the UK a world leader in new battery technology.