Next-generation lithium-ion batteries
Kick-off for European battery research project SeNSE

Generation 3b lithium-ion batteries
Series production and recycling
On the way to the gigafactory
The Swedish company Northvolt plays a decisive role in the research project. The company was co-founded in 2016 by two former Tesla employees, who were involved in the construction of the Tesla gigafactory in Nevada (USA). Northvolt is currently planning the first European gigafactory with a production capacity of 32 GWh per year to be built in Sweden. A further gigafactory with an annual production of 16 GWh is to be built as a joint venture with Volkswagen in Salzgitter (Germany). For comparison, the Tesla Gigafactory in Nevada currently produces around 30 GWh of batteries per year, according to management.
Experts from Northvolt will advise the SeNSE researchers through regular briefings. By the end of the project, a series of battery cell prototypes will have been developed. A demonstrator with 1 kWh storage capacity will demonstrate the capabilities of the battery cell generation 3b. At the end of the project, the production technology developed will find its way into industry in the form of patents. The SeNSE research project ends after 48 months in spring 2024. Supported by the EU under grant agreement No 875548.
Outlook: solid-state batteries - generation 4b
Corsin Battaglia's team at Empa is involved in another European research project: The project, called SOLiDIFY, looks even further into the future and is developing future-generation batteries - so-called solid-state lithium-metal batteries. In contrast to today's lithium-ion batteries and those of generation 3b, these solid-state batteries will no longer contain any liquid, flammable components. They are therefore safer and more tolerant to elevated temperatures, can deliver higher power, and can be charged and discharged faster.
According to experts, these batteries – called generation 4b – could be ready for the market in about ten years. At half the weight and half the size, they should deliver the same storage capacity as today's lithium-ion batteries. Production costs are also expected to be cut in half. New electrode architectures are necessary, as are cost-effective innovative production methods for the cathode of these batteries. The anode will consist of metallic lithium. The SOLiDIFY research project started on January 1, 2020 and will also run for 48 months. Supported by the EU under grant agreement No 875557.
Audio |
Radio programme on Radio SRF2 Wissenschaftsmagazin in German of February 12, 2020