A new battery technology developed by Swiss startup Morand could charge electric vehicle (EV) batteries in just 72 seconds; it is a hybrid system that uses traditional battery technology and ultracapacitors.
About the company
Morand was founded by former F1 driver and team principal Benoît Morand. The company’s goal is to use energy technologies developed for motorsport for simple solutions to help with the energy transition. The startup says a prototype of its e-technology solution charges small vehicles and e-bikes to 80% in just 72 seconds, 98% in 120 seconds and 100% in 2.5 minutes during testing.
The testing phase
The company also claims that Geo Technology conducted independent testing. While those times obviously don’t apply to the larger 100+ kWh battery packs used in the world’s longest-range electric vehicles, Morand says they’re well-suited to small city cars. , like the Citroën Ami, which has a 5.5 kWh battery. The technology could also be helpful for drones and e-bikes, which require quick switching thanks to fast charging. Morand estimates that, for example, an electric bike with a 6Ah battery could charge in six minutes.
An array of possibilities
Morand claims to have tested its e-technology prototype over more than 50,000 cycles and that the technology has the potential to retain power for far longer than a traditional lithium-ion battery. The company also claims that the technology operates effectively even in extreme temperatures, which is not typical of conventional EV batteries. This could significantly increase e-bike adoption, reduce reliance on purchasing spare batteries, and make e-bikes a more viable option for many people. The company is working with a partner to bring its technology to market. Initially, it is likely to be more expensive than lithium-ion battery technology, although Morand plans to scale production to lower the cost of its potentially game-changing hybrid technology.
