General Motors has partnered with Forge Nano, a materials science startup, to enhance the performance and lifetime of electric vehicle battery cells. This collaboration includes a $10 million investment from GM Ventures into Forge Nano to develop a thin coating that aims to improve safety and increase the lifetime of cathode-active materials in batteries, ultimately reducing overall battery costs.
The strategic investment also involves an agreement between GM and Forge Nano to potentially utilize the startup’s “atomic layer deposition technology” known as Atomic Armor. This technology is designed to enhance the cathode, which stores lithium ions during charging and releases them during use in lithium-ion batteries.
While GM had initially focused on its Ultium battery branding, the company is now shifting towards a more diversified approach to battery development. This change is part of a broader strategy to explore multiple cell types, suppliers, chemistries, and form factors to enhance the efficiency and performance of EVs.
The goal of this partnership is to achieve faster charging rates, increased energy density, and longer-lasting batteries. By applying the Atomic Armor coating at the atomic level, Forge Nano aims to improve the stability and safety of battery cells, thereby preventing thermal runaway events that could lead to battery fires.
Forge Nano’s CEO, Paul Lichty, highlighted that the Atomic Armor platform has the potential to increase energy density by up to 20%, allowing for more efficient use of lithium in battery cells. This technology could also lead to cost savings of up to 20% in the manufacturing process, making it an attractive option for cell manufacturers looking to enhance their products.
In addition to GM’s investment in Forge Nano, the company’s battery cell subsidiary, Forge Battery, is planning to incorporate the Atomic Armor platform into its prototype cells. With a gigafactory in North Carolina set to begin production in 2026, Forge Battery aims to scale up the use of this innovative coating technology in battery manufacturing.
Overall, this partnership between GM and Forge Nano represents a significant step towards improving the performance, safety, and longevity of electric vehicle batteries. By leveraging advanced materials science and coating technologies, the automotive industry is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of EVs in the future.
