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Nic discusses his role and involvement with regards to EV batteries, industry challenges, what he is looking forward to at the event and why it is important for engineers to attend.
Q: Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to electric vehicles?
Nic Savjani (NS): In my role as the Application Manager for the Energy team at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), I am actively engaged in industry-driven development programs. The GEICs focus is on integrating graphene (and other outstanding nanomaterials) into various applications, particularly in collaboration with battery manufacturers and suppliers. We aim to enhance current-generation lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) using graphene-based systems. Our projects span from short-term proof-of-concept studies and materials evaluation to longer-term strategic planning and development initiatives. Moreover, we conduct projects demonstrating stable and scalable battery production through our pilot lines, showcasing the potential adoption of graphene-based battery systems. We are currently collaborating with several EV battery manufacturers, emphasizing the delivery of high-performance LiB systems for electric vehicles (EVs) that achieve superior capacities, higher densities, and increased power capabilities.
Q: How would you say the industry has evolved over the past five years?
NS: The EV market has undergone significant transformation over the past five years, reflecting a substantial shift in the automotive industry's approach to addressing the climate change crisis. Automotive companies have now demonstrated a heightened commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transition from internal combustion to electric power hasn't been without its challenges, including overcoming user reluctance due to factors such as high costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and range anxiety. There is also the daunting prospect of pursuing sustainability goals through EV technology while striving to reduce reliance on rare metals like lithium and cobalt. Despite these challenges, remarkable progress has been made in the last three years, with increasing numbers embracing the EV lifestyle.
Q: What developments are going on that may have an impact on the development of future electric vehicles and battery technologies?
NS: One of the most transformative discoveries in the past two decades has been the isolation and characterization of graphene. Recognized for its exceptional properties, including being the strongest material, highly conductive, and possessing the highest surface area, graphene has emerged from the realm of theoretical wonder to make a substantial impact across various industry sectors. In the battery market, extensive research has established graphene as a promising component for high-performance electrodes in Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs) and next-generation systems. However, challenges remain in transitioning graphene technologies from academia to industry, primarily due to high costs and the time required for manufacturers to acquire the necessary knowledge to effectively utilise this material. At GEIC, we leverage our graphene knowledge to collaborate with battery manufacturers, facilitating a direct development route for graphene-enhanced systems to reach mass markets. Our efforts significantly de-risk such ventures for our partners, enabling efficient technology adoption at higher Technology Readiness Levels.
Q: What will you be presenting at the conference and how will this benefit participants?
NS: We will be presenting innovative solutions to address a crucial challenge in the EV market at the conference—the excessive weight of battery packs attached to the vehicle chassis. Traditional battery cell structures, aimed at ensuring the safety of battery systems are often bulky and inadequately engineered, contributing significantly to the overall weight of an EV. Our presentation will showcase our successful construction of structural battery cells within carbon fibre, demonstrating that graphene-enhanced battery components can effectively alleviate the weight and structural issues associated with these designs. We aim to shed light on the opportunities and challenges related to constructing graphene-supported structural battery systems, emphasizing graphene's potential adoption into current- and next-gen energy systems.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s International EV Batteries conference?
NS: The imperative for engineers and industry experts to converge at this event stems from the utmost importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of battery development. While LiB systems are reaching new heights, the visibility of graphene-enhanced battery systems in the industry remains somewhat obscured, primarily due to the technical expertise required to effectively adopt graphene. The battery specialists at GEIC aim to illuminate the potential of graphene as a valuable next-generation component in current-gen and future EV systems. This event provides a platform for collective learning, fostering collaboration, knowledge transfer and showcasing advancements that can drive the adoption of graphene technologies and bolster the future of EVs.
This year’s International EV Batteries conference will be taking place on 7-8 November 2023 at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham. To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/evbatteries.