Paraclete Energy claims it can revolutionize EV batteries

Paraclete Energy, a U.S.-based innovator in battery materials, has unveiled a breakthrough in silicon-based anode technology. This technology offers unprecedented cost and performance advantages for electric vehicle batteries. The company’s proprietary silicon anode material reduces costs by almost 35% compared to traditional graphite anodes used in lithium iron phosphate batteries.

Paraclete’s solution is called SILO Silicon, and it delivers an impressive specific energy of over 520 Wh/kg, surpassing graphite anodes and enabling longer-lasting, more efficient batteries. According to internal studies from the company, integrating this material could halve battery weight while doubling energy capacity. A standard 80 kWh battery pack, typically weighing 565 kg, could be reduced to 150 kg with this silicon technology, cutting weight by 73 percent. Additionally, the energy capacity of a 300 kg battery could jump to 160 kWh, extending the range from 466 kilometers to an impressive 930 kilometers.

Lighter, longer, and cheaper

There’s another advantage to the silicon route. Unlike traditional graphite anodes, which rely heavily on foreign supply chains and are subject to volatile markets, SILO Silicon utilizes locally sourced materials and advanced polymer matrix technology. This innovation mitigates the issues of silicon expansion during charge cycles, a problem that has historically limited silicon’s use in battery production. As for cost, the silicon anode represents $35/kWh (€33), significantly below the $53/kWh (€50) cost of graphite.

Paraclete isn’t the only supplier to step up on silicon anodes. Mercedes offers the technology in the G580 with EG Technology, and it will also feature in one of the battery packs of the upcoming CLA. Also, competitors like Tesla, Hyundai, GM, and Porsche are exploring silicon integration.

Pushing boundaries

However, Paraclete’s polymer matrix solution offers a more practical and scalable approach. The company achieves 70% active silicon material per particle, while others only reach 12%. This is, of course, a big improvement in the field.

Adopted widely, it could set a new benchmark, according to the company. “As a company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of battery innovation, our latest study underscores SILO Silicon’s potential to redefine the EV landscape,” says Jeff Norris, CEO of Paraclete Energy. “These advancements address critical demands for efficiency, affordability, and sustainability in the EV market.”