Sprint Power to help develop ultra-fast charging systems

Sprint Power is leading on a new £9.7 million UK government-backed project aimed at developing ultra-fast charging cells and battery packs for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs).

These products will aim to address existing consumer concerns relating to the charging speeds of today’s electric vehicles.

Funding for Project CELERITAS is being jointly delivered by the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APCUK), as well as each consortium member.

In addition to Sprint Power, the consortium includes BMW, bp, AMTE Power, Clas-SiC and Eltrium.

Sprint Power will design and develop an 800V ‘battery platform’ for high performance and mass market EV and FCHEV applications that will integrate all system electronics and incorporate multiple charging protocols.

Targeting BMW’s future battery specifications and requirements, the battery platform will bring together innovations from each partner, including rapid charging cell technology being developed by AMTE Power, bp’s thermal management and next generation EV fluid technology, 1200V silicon carbide switching devices from Clas-Sic, Eltrium’s advanced 800V manufacturing capabilities and Sprint Power’s own 800V DC-DC converter and battery management system (BMS) technologies.

The project will deliver two battery systems, one for BEV applications and one for hybrid applications.

While a 150-mile range has been shown as sufficient for most drivers, many consumers would like to see BEVs capable of delivering the equivalent range of a conventional ICE vehicle, as well as a charge-time close to that of filling a traditional fuel tank.

While the current best-in-class charging systems take approximately 22 minutes for a 10%-80% charge for a 280-mile range, Sprint Power is aiming for its BEV platform to deliver an 80% charge in just twelve minutes.

Founder and CEO of Sprint Power, Richie Frost, said: “As we move steadily towards the UK’s ban on petrol and diesel ICE vehicles, more of us will be making the switch to electric. While there remains a number of barriers that are currently preventing a greater uptake, our involvement in Project CELERITAS aims to make this transition easier for everyone by developing ultra-fast charging solutions for the next generation of EVs.

“I strongly believe these solutions will be key to this country’s shift towards sustainable mobility.”

Image: courtesy Sprint Power

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