Faraday Battery is developing an innovative battery controller and all-weather battery pack for critical transport markets, including for electric cars, trains, buses and vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The battery’s controller and electrical architecture are patented (the company has six patents granted for its technology), but the battery’s form factor, capacity and supply are developed by the OEM to meet the exact needs of the vehicle – making the technology suitable for a range of transport applications. The technology is designed to perform in extreme climates using innovative lithium ion cell chemistry, thermal management and power electronics.

We’re supporting Faraday Battery through our Energy Launchpad to help the company maximise its growth and secure a position in a global market.

The Challenge

As our means of transport become increasingly electrified – from the cars we drive to the buses and trains we catch – the importance of safe, reliable and efficient battery power is growing. Earth’s climate is changing, so having a battery able to perform year after year in extreme conditions will be key to keeping society moving in all parts of the world.

The lithium-ion batteries typically used in electric vehicles are built from thousands of cells which can be adversely affected by hot or cold temperatures, compromising performance. Their fragile cell chemistry needs monitoring and managing if a battery is to meet high reliability standards.

The Innovation

Faraday Battery’s patented technology brings together the cells, electronics and software into a reliable battery pack that is robust in all weather conditions and monitors and controls performance.

The controller can spot data signatures to predict impending problems, enabling predictive and remote maintenance of the technology. It can also be sold separately from the battery pack itself, broadening the technology use case.

At the time of engaging with us, Faraday Battery was concluding a product development cycle, and accessed our support to help take it to market.

The Solution

Energy Systems Catapult is home to the Energy Launchpad that draws on Catapult capabilities and assets, along with those of our partners. The Energy Launchpad provides innovators with tailored incubation and acceleration support to selected SMEs to help address systemic barriers, de-risk innovation, help businesses scale and secure investment.

Faraday Battery is one of several SMEs we’re supporting through the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) Low Carbon Energy Solutions Innovator Challenge, a collaborative programme backed by HSBC UK and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered with University of Birmingham.

We’re providing expertise to Faraday Battery through our Business Model Innovation capability – with one-to-one support to identify its first entry market for the battery management controllers and power architecture; help to understand options for monetisation; and help to establish which channel partners may act as the best routes to market in such beachhead markets.

Energy Launchpad is supporting CIP business with a series of workshops to help accelerate its product commercialisation, including understanding their target market, implementing business modelling techniques and enhancing the value proposition to potential customers.