Silicon battery pioneer Group14 Technologies has secured $463 million in Series D funding led by SK Inc. and acquired full ownership of its strategic South Korean manufacturing facility. The funding round, which brings the company's total equity raised to over $1 billion, will accelerate global production of SCC55® silicon battery material that delivers 50% more energy density than conventional batteries. With the BAM-3 factory in South Korea now under complete control, Group14 strengthens its position as the world's largest manufacturer of advanced silicon battery materials, serving over 100 customers worldwide and powering everything from AI-enabled smartphones to electric vehicles.
Battery
An Australian Uber driver has achieved the impossible—his 2021 Tesla Model 3 has traveled 410,000 kilometers on its original battery while maintaining 88-90% capacity. Detailed analysis by EV specialist workshop EV Workz revealed not only exceptional LFP battery longevity but also fuel savings of AU$37,000 compared to an equivalent petrol car. Battery Management System data shows an optimal charging mix: 71% slow AC charging and only 29% DC fast charging, proving the key to battery longevity. This case, which went viral with over a million views, fundamentally challenges misconceptions about EV battery degradation and demonstrates that electric vehicles can outlast traditional combustion engines while delivering massive operational savings.
Volkswagen's PowerCo has announced a massive $131 million expansion of its partnership with QuantumScape, bringing total recent investments to over $260 million as the German automaker races to commercialize solid-state battery technology. The breakthrough QSE-5 cells promise to deliver 400-500 mile range, 15-minute charging times, and virtually eliminate fire risks - potentially revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry by the late 2020s. With production capacity targeting one million EVs annually, VW is positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of electric mobility.
Explore the latest advancements in electric vehicle battery technology. New LFP batteries offer a 1000 km range and ultra-fast charging, reshaping the future of e-mobility. Learn about innovations and challenges.
