Iontra Inc., a provider of next-generation battery charging technology, announced that it has been awarded a $2,150,000 ARPA-E grant to validate its innovative Pathfinder sensing technology to extend the usable life of electric vehicle (EV) batteries by delivering profoundly deeper, real-time information on cell state of health (SOH).
The funding is part of ARPA-E’s CIRCULAR program, which aims to develop technologies to support a circular domestic supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries through enhanced longevity, regeneration, repair, reuse, and remanufacture.
The three-year project, in collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory and Freudenberg Power Systems, will support the pre-commercial development of Iontra’s state-sensing technology, including a demonstration of EV packs.
Iontra’s advanced, proprietary, and highly accurate algorithms calculate various states, including state of charge (miles left in the “tank”) and state of health (the battery’s precise condition).
EV manufacturers use these more accurate state measurements to better manage power in and out of the battery, extending the usable life of car batteries and lowering EV ownership costs. This project aids ARPA-E’s goal of lowering the energy cost from $0.04 to $0.02/kWh for the usable life of the vehicle.
Iontra is the main recipient of the Grant. Idaho National Laboratory will perform state-of-the-art prognostic model development and technology validation, while Freudenberg will provide high-quality cells and packs for testing and product development.
“A more secure and sustainable energy future depends on the ability to maximize battery performance and life,” said Jeff Granato, president and CEO, Iontra. “Our expert team has developed battery agnostic SOC/SOH technology that optimizes battery management, improves system reliability, proactive maintenance scheduling, accurate battery valuation, and results in safer operation and improved performance and life of batteries vital to the success of EVs and storage applications.”
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News