GM and OneD Battery Sciences have inked a collaboration agreement aimed on using OneD's silicon nanotechnology in GM's Ultium battery cells to increase energy density for longer range at a lower cost.

The focus of the collaboration is OneD's SINANODE platform, which adds more silicon onto the anode battery cells by fusing silicon nanowires into EV-grade graphite. Silicon can store 10 times more energy than graphite. Increasing energy density can pave the way for smaller, lighter, and more efficient battery packs that may provide greater driving range at a lower cost, according to GM.

The collaboration on silicon anode technology is believed to be the first of its kind between two American companies. GM is rapidly scaling its Ultium EV Platform to reach 1 million units of annual EV manufacturing capacity in North America by 2025. Earlier this year, GM's first Ultium Cells joint venture battery plant began production in Ohio, with two additional U.S. plants under construction and a fourth also planned.

GM Ventures and Volta Energy Technologies also participated in OneD's Series C funding round, which the company recently closed at $25 million.

Source: GM