Nyobolt has been showing how its high-power density, fast-charging battery technology works in the real world by unveiling the drivable Nyobolt EV prototype. The Cambridge-based company’s innovative battery technology promises to revolutionize charging times and vehicle longevity, marking the end of “inconvenient charging downtime” for EV owners.
Founded in 2019, Nyobolt has leveraged its expertise in advanced materials science to create a battery system that aims to usher in a new era of high-performance, fast-charging EVs. The company’s technology integrates patented carbon and metal oxide anode materials with a low impedance cell design, cutting-edge power electronics, and sophisticated software controls. This holistic approach has yielded a power-dense battery and charging system capable of supporting a wide range of high-demand applications, from heavy-duty off-highway trucks to consumer devices.
However, the real headline-grabbing aspect of this technology is its charging speed. Initial tests have demonstrated that the Nyobolt EV’s 50Ah 35kWh battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just four minutes and 37 seconds when connected to a 350kW (800V) DC fast charger. This charging rate is twice as fast as most of the quickest-charging vehicles currently on the market. Moreover, the first four minutes of charging at a constant current of 500A can provide an impressive 120 miles of range.
“Despite some OEMs showing fast charge times in the region of 15 minutes, a closer inspection reveals the charge is usually across a limited SOC region specifically chosen to limit the amount of life taken out of the cell; for instance, between 20-80%,” said Dr. Sai Shivareddy, Nyobolt’s co-founder and CEO. “Typically, the charge profile will only hold these peak charge levels for a short amount of the charge time.”
Faster for longer
But Nyobolt’s innovation goes beyond mere speed. The company has tackled one of the most persistent challenges in battery technology: degradation due to fast charging. Nyobolt’s 24.5Ah cells have completed over 4,000 full Depth of Discharge (DoD) fast charge cycles while retaining over 80% battery capacity. This equates to a staggering 600,000 miles of use in the Nyobolt EV pack—far exceeding the warranties of much larger EV batteries currently on the road.
Independent testing has further validated these claims, with 2.6Ah cells achieving over 4,400 cycles with a 12C charge and 1C discharge at 23°C. Crucially, the cell internal resistance rises by only 50% after 4,400 five-minute charge cycles, which is lower than the industry-accepted end-of-life values for EV cells.
The Nyobolt EV prototype isn’t just about raw performance; it’s a statement on efficiency and sustainability. Weighing in at just 1,250kg, this sports car demonstrates how Nyobolt’s technology can enable the automotive industry to produce lighter, better-handling electric vehicles without compromising on range or performance.
Shane Davies, Nyobolt’s director of vehicle battery systems, emphasizes this point: “We can enable OEMs to build excitement back into the segment, which is literally weighed down by legacy battery technology currently. Our Nyobolt EV demonstrates the efficiency gains facilitated by our fast-charging, longer-life battery technology, enabling capacity to be right-sized while still delivering the required performance.”
Scaling up
The implications of Nyobolt’s technology extend beyond new vehicle production. The company has designed its battery architecture with retrofitting in mind, potentially bringing these advancements to existing EV platforms. This could offer a significant upgrade path for current EV owners, dramatically reducing charge times and extending battery life.
From a technical standpoint, Nyobolt’s battery modules are cooled via cold plates with a water/glycol mix, using an AC compressor and condenser along with a battery chiller compatible with other performance vehicles. This results in a near-standard module and battery pack. Perhaps most impressively, the battery generates limited heat—no more than 60°C during a fast charge or a performance drive—thanks to the ultra-low impedance cell chemistry.
As Nyobolt prepares to scale up production, the company is already in talks with eight vehicle OEMs about adopting its technology. The flexible manufacturing model could enable production of up to two million cells per year, with plans to ramp up to 1,000 packs by 2025.
Dr. Shivareddy concludes, “Our extensive research here in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that is ready and scalable right now. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services currently considered inviable or impossible. Creating real-world demonstrators, such as the Nyobolt EV, underlines both our readiness and commitment to making the industries see change is possible.”
Nyobolt’s technology and this announcement represents a significant leap forward in the quest for faster-charging, longer-lasting EV batteries. As the company moves from prototype to production, the automotive industry—and EV enthusiasts—will be watching closely to see if Nyobolt can deliver on its promises.
