The resulting lithium ion phosphate cylindrical cell demonstrates a continuous specific power 60% higher than conventional cells and is slated for market launch no later than March 2026.
A major technological leap in lithium-ion battery performance is on the horizon following a key licensing agreement between diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei and specialist German battery maker EAS Batteries. The deal grants EAS Batteries the right to use Asahi Kasei’s novel acetonitrile-containing electrolyte technology in its new ultra-high-power lithium-ion cell, which utilizes a safer and more durable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathode.
The core innovation lies in the electrolyte’s high ionic conductivity, a property that drastically reduces internal cell resistance. This enhancement is crucial for applications that demand high-rate capability and stable performance across challenging temperature conditions, such as marine, railway, construction machinery, and aerospace sectors.
The fruit of this collaboration, the new cylindrical cell, designated UHP601300 LFP 22, is a 22 Ah powerhouse that sets a new industry benchmark.
• Continuous Power: The cell delivers a specific power of 2,550 W/kg under continuous discharge, representing an approximate 60% improvement over cells using conventional electrolytes.
• Pulse Power: For short bursts of energy, it offers an impressive 3,760 W/kg under a 2-second pulse discharge.
• Cycle Life & Speed: Demonstrating exceptional durability, the cell achieves a cycle life of 2,400 cycles at a rapid 5C/5C charge and discharge rate (100% Depth of Discharge), which corresponds to a full charge and discharge cycle completed in just 24 minutes.
The reduced internal resistance also translates directly into lower heat generation during operation and improved energy efficiency, addressing common pain points in high-power battery applications.
The new cell's development was a joint effort, supported financially by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space under the “HEADLINE” project. This partnership leveraged Asahi Kasei's over three decades of lithium-ion cell R&D, including the pioneering work on high ionic conductive electrolytes featuring acetonitrile, which began in 2010 under the guidance of Honorary Fellow Akira Yoshino.
"By combining our technology with the expertise of EAS, we achieved an advanced cell design with unprecedented performance," commented Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei. Michael Deutmeyer, Managing Director of EAS Batteries, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The robustness of the electrolyte is key—not only for EAS products but also for scaling our technology across markets.”
Following the planned market release by March 2026, Asahi Kasei and EAS Batteries have agreed to sublicense their combined technologies to global OEMs and battery manufacturers.
