Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF) said its Goliath large-format EV battery programme has reached its 2023 intermediate technology development target, attaining lithium-ion energy density parity.
This milestone indicates that Ilika's Goliath solid-state pouch cell can now match the energy density of traditional lithium-ion pouch cells, boasting an energy density of 250 Wh/kg and a capacity of 0.715 Ah.
Crucially, the achievement helps justify a full-pilot facility configured to demonstrate that the technology can be licensed for third-party giga-scale implementation, Ilika said.
"We have reached yet another major milestone on Ilika's roadmap, validating the effectiveness of the company's technology development programme," added CEO Graeme Purdy.
"This key achievement in our cutting-edge Goliath battery re-emphasizes the strength of our solution and further demonstrates Ilika's differentiation as we strive for a more sustainable future."
This advancement is crucial as it marks a step forward in the commercialisation of Goliath cells, offering electric vehicle (EV) producers the benefits of solid-state batteries.
These benefits include improved safety, faster charging, longer lifespan and greater temperature resilience, all without compromising on size, space or effective range.
The progress follows the November 2023 announcement of the D4 milestone, a design freeze in the Goliath roadmap.
Based on this, Ilika has developed its first prototype for customer release, P1, which is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be shipped for evaluation to automotive suppliers and consumer appliance companies in the first half of 2024.
This provides a stepping stone towards Ilika's P2 prototype product, slated for licensing to partners in the first half of 2025.
Ilika's ongoing development efforts have been bolstered by funding and support from the Faraday Battery Challenge and the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
The company continues to work alongside various industry leaders, underscoring its commitment to innovation in the field of battery technology.
"This is a very exciting time for the company," said CEO Purdy. "We are on target with our roadmap as we move forward. Ilika would like to thank its numerous stakeholders for their ongoing support in achieving this milestone and looks forward to their sustained backing throughout our commercialisation journey.
"Solid-state technology stands to transform the EV market in terms of performance, safety and accessibility. Indeed, as the technology continues to develop there is the potential for further energy density improvements that will allow additional size and weight reduction."