US-based battery start-up Our Next Energy (ONE) announces that a BMW iX prototype with its proprietary Gemini dual-chemistry battery managed an impressive 608,1 miles (978,6 km) range.

Despite the higher range, ONE’s battery pack occupies the same space as the iX original battery pack. Furthermore, the company’s innovative technology reduces lithium use by up to 20% and graphite by 60% and minimizes the use of nickel and cobalt.

Nearly 1 000 km range

After numerous developments and testing, the Michigan-based energy storage start-up Our Next Energy (ONE) exceeded its original claim. Its BMW iX prototype, equipped with a Gemini dual-chemistry battery pack, has achieved an unprecedented 608,1 miles (978,6 km) range on the European WLTP test.

Gemini means duality

ONE’s battery pack is unlike any other. Nicknamed Gemini, it contains two different cell types using different chemistries. A conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery – inside a CTP architecture – provides a range of up to 150 miles (241 km). Another high-density anode-free cell pack charges the first battery like a range extender with a DC-to-DC converter for longer trips.

That technology can provide 450 Wh/L of energy density and over 185 kWh of energy. More importantly, the Gemini battery uses the same space as other typical electric-car batteries, unlike the Tesla Cybertruck’s ‘range extender’ pack that sits in the bed.

Furthermore, ONE claims that its innovative dual-chemistry battery technology reduces the use of lithium by up to 20% and graphite by 60%. It also minimizes the usage of nickel and cobalt.

Longest range on the market?

“Electric vehicles will achieve mass adoption when they offer enough range that people will feel comfortable having an EV as their only vehicle. The Gemini battery has proven it can double the range of EVs and break down the biggest barrier to electrification,” said Mujeeb Ijaz, CEO & founder of ONE.

Our Next Energy (ONE) is not only using a BMW iX for demonstration purposes. Last year, both parties agreed to incorporate the Gemini battery technology in Munich’s high-end EV. Now that predictions have proven correct, both companies are working on refinement and preparing for commercialization.