Polarium in new research project to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries

As the global market for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow rapidly, the manufacturing technology is continuously developed. The EMPIRE project investigates how welded joints on lithium-ion batteries can be further developed to create the strong and sustainable batteries of the future.

The EMPIRE project is focused on developing lithium-ion batteries and busbar weldability for electrical vehicles, with better material properties, improved longevity and higher reliability. The project is carried out by University West, Sweden, in close collaboration with the Swerim research institute, with Polarium, Scania, Gränges, Materion Corporation and Trumpf Maskin as industrial partners.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this project and to help accelerate the development of lithium-ion batteries. With the right material selection, welded joint configuration and welding processes, we hope to make the lithium-ion batteries of the future even stronger and more sustainable than the ones of today,” says Tobias Söderlund, Chief Product Officer at Polarium.

The quality of the welded joints between the various components (cell terminals and busbars) on a lithium-ion battery plays a very important role in the performance of the battery. If the quality of the welds are insufficient, several serious concerns can arise.

By focusing on the material composition of the welded joint and their properties, the project aims to develop concepts and solutions that can increase the ductility of the welds and thus the quality of the joint. The team will investigate which type of laser joining process gives the best results.

“As electric vehicles become more common and the technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, there is a need to improve joining on lithium-ion batteries. The batteries need to be more long-lasting, and we need to reduce the risk of damage,” says Paul Kah, Project Manager and Professor of Welding Technology at the Department of Engineering Science at University West. 

About Polarium

Polarium is a Swedish company dedicated to providing the best performing, safe and sustainable energy storage solutions built on lithium-ion technology. The company was founded in 2015 based on the idea of how energy storage could empower a smart and sustainable world. Polarium’s headquarters and R&D center are situated in Sweden and the manufacturing in Mexico and Vietnam. Through its global sales channels and representation in the US, South Africa, Sweden, UK, New Zealand and Indonesia, Polarium serves customers worldwide. Today, our market-leading solutions are in use on all continents and in all climate zones – from the Equator to the Arctic – ensuring that the flow of energy never stops, while enabling our customers to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.