December 8, 2021
WOLFSBURG, Germany and CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Volkswagen Group (VWAG) and 24M Technologies, Inc. (24M) reported that they have entered a strategic partnership to manufacture next-generation lithium-ion EV batteries using the 24M SemiSolid™ platform. Their partnership will focus on development of production technology for SemiSolid battery cells that will be used in VWAG electric vehicles (EVs), according to a release from the companies.
As part of the partnership, VWAG will make a significant investment in 24M. It will also establish a wholly owned subsidiary that will, in cooperation with 24M, develop a SemiSolid battery cell production technology for automotive applications, VWAG said in the release.
“Volkswagen is implementing its battery strategy very consistently and at a high pace,” said Thomas Schmall, member of the board of management of Volkswagen Group for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, in a statement. “The Volkswagen unified cell must be at the forefront of performance, costs, and sustainability right from the start. With our new partners, we are taking the next step closer to this goal. Together, we will approach key parts of the battery value chain and develop cutting-edge technologies.”
As demand for EVs continues to rise, carmakers need batteries that are “beyond R&D and can be implemented immediately and cost effectively,” according to 24M. The SemiSolid manufacturing platform is said to deliver on both requirements. Through strategic partnerships with energy innovators GPSC, Kyocera, AXXIVA, LucasTVS, FREYR, Koch Strategic Platforms, and now VWAG, 24M said it has built an ecosystem to rapidly scale the SemiSolid manufacturing platform.
“The 24M mission is to develop a better, cleaner energy future powered by SemiSolid™ technology,” said 24M President and CEO, Naoki Ota, in a statement. “Our relationship with Volkswagen significantly expands the 24M ecosystem. Their investment, collaborative development, and ability to scale globally will accelerate the SemiSolid™ manufacturing platform to replace the conventional manufacturing process and fast-track electric vehicle adoption.”
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