Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The global market of Li-ion batteries, valued at $24B (USD) in 2015, is expected to grow at a compounded average rate of 16% to about $60B (USD) in 2022 because of accelerated demand for energy storage in a variety of sectors such as portable, automotive, and small to mid-size electric grid applications. The principle technology pull is through commercialization of electric vehicles, governmental mandates on fuel economy and lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, and the growing demand for consumer electronics. In parallel with this market growth, research and development on these batteries, is also accelerating because further improvements in energy/power density, enhancement of cycling performance, and cost reduction are necessary for a wider use of Li-ion battery technologies. E-One Moli Energy in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada was the first North American high volume manufacturer of rechargeable Li-ion batteries, before converting to an R&D center in 2009. The University of British Columbia, in collaboration with E-One Moli Energy researchers, will conduct research on two important technical challenges that are faced by some of the existing E-One Moli products, and also undertake new directions with respect to development of higher energy density Li-ion batteries which are required for future generations of high energy Li-ion batteries. There are also significant opportunities during this project for training highly qualified personnel and development of intellectual property which will greatly contribute to the Canadian battery industry and economy.