A USA startup Sila Technologies has been developing an alternative for the graphic based battery anode – a nano silicon anode and has recently announced a production timeline to have up to 150GWh of batteries by 2028. Existing battery technology is constantly improving and if the battery need is 250TWh (as per Tesla MasterPlan 3, every new technology takes us closer to stopping burning rocks.

Improvements claimed by Sila for their “Titan Silicon” include

  • 20% in energy density, with plans to increase that to over 40%
  • Leading to 15% reduction in battery weight
  • 20% reduction in space
  • 20% increase in EV range
  • Improve battery charging time, charging a battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes — even if your charge time is currently as long as 60 minutes.
  • Future releases will reduce that time to approximately 10 minutes
  • Achieves gains without sacrificing cycle life or safety while maintaining low swell — comparable to graphite anodes.
  • 20% increase in space, enabling higher vehicle efficiency and the addition of innovative designs and features
  • Claims to be drop in for any existing battery shape, or any battery gigafactory
  • 50% to 70% lower carbon emissions.

Nano Silicon Anode Replaces Graphite

Existing batteries use graphite and while graphite mining is increasing to replace the dirty processing of graphite, new technology will decrease the cost of batteries and displace more fossil fuel – both in grid storage and in transportation.

nano silicon anode diagram from Sila Technologies
Swell from the nano silicon anode is lower than grahite anodes leading to faster charging
Claimed lower swell, leading to longer life and faster charging. https://www.silanano.com/our-solutions/titan-silicon-anode

Future of Battery Density

Progression of battery with nano silicon anode
Sila Technologies with their roadmap of battery technology https://www.silanano.com/our-solutions/cell-manufacturing

Current Status

  1. Moved from lab to production
  2. On a 5 year path to production
  3. Ramping up production to 150GW by 2028
  4. Private company so and raising money
  5. Have battery in Mercede Benz G class