$35M of $60M by DOE - for Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research - goes toward Battery Research

For the fans of solid state batteries, this tranche of money may seem like a waste. However, the government beaurocracies are high level thinking, but rather the entrenchment of the established. So, see this as a direction of those in the market, not those coming into the market.

From an article by greencarcongress.com

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) announced up to $60 million in new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies research. (DE-FOA-0002420) This funding opportunity supports priorities in batteries and electrification, advanced engine and fuel technologies, materials, and new mobility technologies.

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Batteries and Electrification (Up to $35 million)

• Advanced liquid electrolytes for lithium-ion cells under extreme conditions, such as extreme fast charging, and mechanical, thermal, or electrical abuse.
• Novel liquid electrolytes for lithium-sulfur cells that improve the overall stability and performance of these cells.
• Lithium-sulfur and lithium-air battery cell development.
• High-power-density traction inverters for use in light-, medium-, or heavy-duty vehicle applications.

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SOURCES

DOE announces $60M to accelerate advanced vehicle technologies research
https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/12/20201211-vto.html
11 December 2020

Vehicle Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2021 Research Funding Opportunity Announcement
https://epicweb.ee.doe.gov/EPICWeb/#/public/submission/opportunityDetail/2311

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SK Innovation to Test Business Viability of Carbon Dioxide Battery Technology

In a short, badly, worded, press release (PR), the South Korean company, SK Innovation, "will promote the commercialization of the carbon dioxide battery technology, which generates electricity and creates hydrogen using carbon dioxide." From the PR, it appears the battery is made of water and carbon dioxide, and works via some type of "electrochemical reaction."

From the description we can read

When carbon dioxide is added to water, electrochemical reactions eliminate carbon dioxide, the main culprit behind climate change, generating electricity and hydrogen. This system elevates the conversion efficiency of carbon dioxide to about 60 percent.

It is unclear how this is a "battery." The PR admits as much in the last paragraph.

If commercial feasibility is confirmed, SK Innovation will create a business together with Kim’s team.

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SK Innovation to Verify Carbon Dioxide Battery Technology
http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=53606
By Choi Moon-hee - October 21, 2020

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