Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF), the AIM-listed battery technology developer, has said its latest prototype solid-state battery cells have passed a series of commercial performance tests carried out by automotive industry partners.
The company, which specialises in next-generation solid-state batteries, announced on Thursday that its Goliath P1 prototype cells met their technical targets when tested by a group of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. These are companies that make parts or systems that are used in vehicles built by the world’s largest carmakers.
The tests looked at how well the prototype cells charged and discharged, how much energy they could store and release, and whether they remained stable after being used many times in quick succession, known in the industry as “accelerated cycling”. The results confirmed Ilika’s claims about the cells’ performance, with consistent results across the batch.
The tests were conducted under commercial confidentiality agreements to protect the partners’ own battery usage routines, which vary depending on their product designs.
However, Ilika said the testing protocols broadly reflect how electric vehicle batteries are evaluated across the industry and that the results were globally relevant.
One of the Tier 1 suppliers involved, a UK-based company providing electrification components to major international carmakers, said: “We can confirm that we have completed testing of Ilika’s P1 prototypes and they perform to specification, putting them in the cohort of leading solid-state batteries we have tested. We look forward to evaluating further prototypes as Ilika progresses through its roadmap.”
CEO Graeme Purdy told investors: "Customer validation of our Goliath roadmap is of primary importance to us to ensure that we are progressing towards a minimum viable product that meets or exceeds customer expectations.
"Clearly, this set of validations increases our confidence in the attractiveness of our roadmap. We will continue to engage with a portfolio of potential manufacturing partners to minimise commercialisation risk."
Solid-state batteries are seen as a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion technology, offering higher energy density, faster charging and improved safety. However, they remain technically challenging to manufacture at scale.
Ilika is developing its Goliath programme to target the electric vehicle market, where there is growing demand for lighter, safer, and more efficient battery solutions.