Swiss startup Morand developed a new battery technology, called Morand eTechnology, which promises to revolutionise mobility with its ultra-fast rechargeable battery pack.
1. Ultra-fast
Morand’s new technology is paving the way for electric vehicle (EV) batteries to charge in less time than it takes to fill an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle at a gas station, the company said. The new technology uses hybrid ultracapacitors (HUC) cells from Sech SA in combination with advanced controllers to recharge and discharge rapidly, allowing electric cars to be charged in only 72 seconds.
Morand’s new eTechnology can charge a car in 72-seconds
— Manpreet (@manpreetkailon) November 16, 2022
Independent testing by Geo Technology has conclusively demonstrated the ability of Morand eTechnology to recharge a 7.2kWh test unit in 120 s (98% charging) at up to 900A / 360 kW.
The average time it takes an ICE vehicle owner to fill up their tank is 2 minutes, according to the American Petroleum Institute. What the Swiss startup Morando is proposing almost halves that time, meaning it could become a great force for EV adoption and contribute to climate targets, which foresee 100 million EVs in the roads by 2030.
Another benefit of eTechnology, according to company, is the fact that it can offer much longer lifespans than the lithium-ion batteries traditionally used in EVs. “[We] are enabling the future of sustainable mobility through the development of unprecedented energy technologies,” the company stated on its website.
2. Clean tech for motor racing
Morand was founded by former F1 driver Benoît Morand, who played a key role in developing the Hope Racing Oreco 01 Hybrid, the very first hybrid prototype to start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans more than 10 years ago. With such background, Morand’s goal is to apply clean tech targeted for motor racing for everyday solutions that can aid in the energy transition. The Swiss startup said that, during testing, a prototype of its eTechnology solution was able to recharge to 80% in just 72 seconds, 98% in 120 seconds, and 100% in 2.5 minutes at up to 900 A/360 kW. The company also said that Geo Technology performed independent testing.
3. Small EVs and e-bikes
While those times can’t apply to the larger 100-kWh+ battery packs used in the world’s longest-range EVs, Morand is confident that its new technology will be a game-changer for small city cars, such as the Citroën Ami, which has a 5.5-kWh battery pack. On top of that, this innovative tech could be helpful for drones and e-bikes that require quick turnarounds enabled by fast charging.
