In a strategic move to bolster the United States’ research capabilities in advanced battery technology, the University of Michigan has inaugurated an additional facility known as Battery Lab 2.0. This facility represents a significant expansion of its renowned U-M Battery Lab, which has already established itself as a pioneering force in the realm of battery innovation since its inception nearly a decade ago. The launch of this new off-campus facility is an essential step aimed at maintaining and enhancing the momentum of research and development efforts that are crucial for the future of electric vehicles and various applications beyond that.
Battery Lab 2.0 includes an impressive 4,000 square feet of research and production space, strategically located on Ellsworth Road in Ann Arbor. This additional space is not only dedicated to academic researchers but is also designed to accommodate the needs of industry researchers, fostering a collaborative environment where pioneering ideas can thrive. The facility boasts a suite of state-of-the-art machinery, including an automatic laser welder that adheres to industry standards for the assembly of battery modules and packs. One of the standout features of Battery Lab 2.0 is its cutting-edge lithium-ion battery production line, which is believed to be the highest-capacity pilot-scale line based at a university, featuring an impressive three megawatt-hours of production capability.
The opening of Battery Lab 2.0 is a response to the rapidly growing demand for advanced battery technologies that have far outpaced the capacity of the original U-M Battery Lab. Alan Taub, the director of the U-M Electric Vehicle Center and a prominent figure in materials science and mechanical engineering, emphasizes that while the original lab has played a crucial role in facilitating battery advancements for electric vehicles, the increasing demand necessitated the expansion. This new facility ensures that researchers have the necessary space and resources to continue innovating and building the technologies that will shape the future.
Researchers at Battery Lab 2.0 have access to a diverse array of capabilities, allowing for the prototyping, testing, and manufacturing of multiple types of batteries, including lithium-ion, solid-state, and next-generation rechargeable batteries. The lab can accommodate both pouch and cylindrical formats, which are essential for applications spanning from grid storage technologies to personal electronics, backup power systems, drones, defense technologies, and, of course, electric vehicles. This versatility is one of the key factors that positions Battery Lab 2.0 as a central hub for battery innovation and research.
Moreover, the unique environment offered by makerspaces like the U-M Battery Lab provides invaluable opportunities for companies lacking in-house labs or manufacturing capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for emerging startups and organizations looking to test their ideas, customize prototypes, and ultimately bring their products to market. Established automotive giants, such as Ford and Mercedes-Benz, as well as innovative startups like MIT-spinout Nanoramic, have leveraged the lab’s resources to enhance their research and development efforts, showcasing the lab’s capacity to cater to a broad spectrum of industry needs.
The response from battery innovators has been overwhelmingly positive. Greg Less, the director of the battery lab, underscores the essential role that Battery Lab 2.0 plays in bridging the so-called “valley of death,” which refers to the challenging period that separates promising concepts from commercial production. By providing the requisite infrastructure, advanced equipment, and specialized expertise necessary to validate new products, the lab enables researchers and companies to conduct thorough testing and prove that their technologies are market-ready.
A notable achievement highlighted by Nanoramic—the maker of advanced battery technologies—speaks to the vital role that the lab has played in advancing their research and development initiatives. The company successfully raised $44 million in a financing round co-led by GM Ventures and participated in by Samsung Ventures, demonstrating how the collaborations fostered within the lab can lead to significant capital acquisition and commercial success. Such collaborations between academia and industry are critical in driving forward the frontier of battery technology.
Since its original opening in 2014 on the University of Michigan’s North Campus, the U-M Battery Lab has been a magnet for researchers from around the world, consistently reaching full booking capacity due to the demand for its vast resources. This $9 million facility’s strategic location is particularly advantageous, providing easy access to automotive industries and facilitating on-site collaboration. This proximity not only benefits external partners but also enriches the academic environment, allowing for the mutual exchange of ideas and innovations.
As Battery Lab 2.0 begins its operation, its state-of-the-art features—including a 4,000-square-foot dry room, an increased mixing volume that extends up to 30 liters, and an advanced coating system—position it firmly at the cutting edge of battery research and development. The ability to produce both 21700 format cylindrical batteries and 100×150 millimeter format pouch batteries enables researchers to work with formats that are representative of modern automotive applications, ensuring that the research conducted is highly applicable to real-world technologies.
The establishment of Battery Lab 2.0 is designed as an interim solution until the construction of a $60 million battery lab on-campus is completed. This future facility will be part of the U-M Transportation Research Institute, with funding secured through a $130 million state contract that established the Electric Vehicle Center. Such investments reflect a formidable commitment from the state of Michigan to support the advancement of electric vehicle technology and battery research.
By situating Battery Lab 2.0 just off the University of Michigan campus, near the southern border of Ann Arbor, the facility enhances accessibility for industrial users, ensuring efficient collaboration between academia and industry. Enhanced access is crucial for stimulating innovation, allowing businesses to tap into academic resources while researchers gain insight from industry practices and needs.
The new equipment featured in Battery Lab 2.0 was manufactured by Energy Tech Solution, known for their expertise in creating advanced battery machinery. This manufacturing partnership underscores the collaborative effort between different stakeholders in the battery research ecosystem, highlighting the intersection of academia, industry, and technology as all work in unison to address the evolving challenges of battery technology.
As the global landscape for battery technology continues to evolve rapidly, the expansion of the U-M Battery Lab into Battery Lab 2.0 signifies a crucial leap forward in the United States’ commitment to being at the forefront of battery innovation. By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, the lab stands poised to spearhead the development of the next generation of battery technologies that will undoubtedly serve as the backbone for future electric vehicles and a broad range of other applications.
The establishment of this cutting-edge facility serves as a powerful statement regarding the importance of research and development in ensuring that the United States remains a leader in advanced battery technology. The University of Michigan’s Battery Lab 2.0 not only embodies a significant investment in infrastructure and talent but also represents a collaborative spirit that will likely yield transformative outcomes for the automotive industry and beyond. As we look toward the future, the innovations emerging from this lab will surely play a pivotal role in shaping our sustainable energy landscape.
Subject of Research: Next-generation battery technology
Article Title: The University of Michigan’s Battery Lab 2.0: Pioneering Advanced Battery Research
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: https://umbatterylab.engin.umich.edu/
References: Various sources on U-M Battery Lab and academic publications
Image Credits: University of Michigan Battery Lab Photos
