Johnson Matthey, the British global science and chemicals company, announced the first full-size lithium-ion battery cells featuring its advanced eLNO cathode technology are being installed in a unique race car. The eLNO family of nickel-rich cathode materials is engineered to safely enable batteries to perform better and charge more quickly while retaining an “exceptional” battery lifetime.

The materials supplier partnered with the Envision Virgin Racing team to develop the race car and demonstrate the performance capabilities of eLNO-equipped battery cells. Believed to be the “world’s first two-seater electric racer,” the bespoke two-seater race car was conceived to help accelerate the transition to a net-zero future and the advance to clean, sustainable technologies that enable the mass adoption of e-mobility. It will be revealed at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) climate change conference in Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of the month.

The one-of-a-kind concept racer will demonstrate Johnson Matthey’s eLNO technology. This family of nickel-rich advanced cathode materials enables around 20% greater battery density over today’s typical equivalent battery technology. With eLNO cathode technology on board, the cylindrical 602030 cells in the battery pack achieve 200-W·h/kg cell energy density for a total 47-kW·h capacity, and an electrical output of 585 V. This is delivered to Envision Virgin Racing’s advanced electric drivetrain to produce 250 kW of power at the wheels. The racer’s targeted maximum speed is 240 km/h.

“As the very first public application of our eLNO technology, the two-seater race car will provide a stunning next step in bringing our ground-breaking technology to market,” said Christian Gunther, Battery Materials Sector Chief Executive at Johnson Matthey. “Not only will the racer generate valuable test data, but we look forward to giving passengers the opportunity to experience the visceral thrill of a high-performance electric race car.”

The Envision Virgin Racing development team focused on optimizing all aspects of the racer’s design to deliver extraordinary on-track performance. It features a dedicated two-seater carbon-fiber monocoque platform that is designed and engineered to accommodate the driver and an additional passenger in tandem formation. The car will run slick tires to provide optimal mechanical grip and a low-wear rate that minimizes tire waste.

“The two-seater formula race car has been specifically designed to test and push the battery performance to its extreme,” said Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director & Chief Technology Officer at Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Team. “This battery technology is unlike anything else we’ve seen before, and we wanted to create a prototype car that would really put it through its paces and showcase its huge potential.”

A customizable family of nickel-rich cathode materials, eLNO was developed to meet specific battery performance requirements for individual EV platforms. It is said to enable batteries with around 20% more energy density compared to today’s typical batteries with NMC cathode material technology. It is intended for use in cells powering a range of EVs, particularly those with fast-charging, high-performance, and long-range requirements, such as larger premium passenger cars and premium SUVs.

Johnson Matthey scientists have enhanced the chemistry of the cathode material using a proprietary stabilizer package and surface modification, engineering the cathode material down to the atomic level. This enables the use of high nickel content for increased driving range and a reduction in the level of cobalt present to sustain cycle life and stability.

Already in pilot production and customer trails, eLNO will be supplied to customers in Europe from two new production facilities. The first facility in Poland is under construction and will be completed in 2022 for commercial production in 2024. A second eLNO plant is planned in Finland. These facilities will operate sustainably as part of Johnson Matthey’s commitment to overcoming climate change, circular manufacturing, and the responsible sourcing of materials.

“Our eLNO technology will provide a step-change in battery energy density for electric vehicles going on sale in just a few years’ time,” Gunther said. “It, therefore, supports the industry’s commitment to fighting climate change.”

The battery cells were developed and produced by EAS Batteries. The German battery manufacturer is the first in Europe to produce large battery cells for an automotive application that features nickel-rich eLNO cathode chemistry. The cylindrical 602030-format cells were manufactured using an almost dry coating process—which has a far lower carbon footprint than typical wet coating—with a non-toxic solvent, and less solvent waste than typical cell production processes.

The race car will showcase production-representative eLNO technology in a challenging application, helping to prove that Johnson Matthey’s advanced cathode material technology is ready to be integrated into batteries powering the forthcoming generation of EVs. The race car was designed and engineered in partnership with the Envision Virgin Racing team and is being produced and assembled by Delta Cosworth.