It is reported that in 2025, Mercedes-Benz will use a new generation of high-energy-density batteries in the G-Class model. By using silicon-based anodes, the energy density is 20%-40% higher than the current graphite anode batteries.
The battery is provided by CATL, and the anode material is from Sila Nano, a California-based startup.
In fact, Mercedes-Benz's use of silicon-based anode batteries has long been in its strategic plan. In 2019, Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler announced the acquisition of a minority stake in Sila Nano as part of its research and development program for advanced batteries for future electric vehicles. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz will launch a technical cooperation with Sila Nano to increase the energy density by using silicon-based materials in the negative electrode, thereby increasing the cruising range and shortening the charging time.
At present, Sila Nano is planning to build a silicon anode material factory in North America that can meet the production capacity of 10GWh of lithium-ion batteries.
According to Mercedes-Benz's latest electrification strategy, its direction and goals have been very clear. which is:
In 2025, all Mercedes-Benz models will be optional pure electric models, including the big G, AMG, and Maybach models;
In 2025, the sales of EV and PHEV models will exceed 50% of the total sales;
Models based on three pure electric platforms (MB.EA, AMG.EA, VAN.EA) will be put into production in 2025;
Be ready for full electrification by 2030;
The entire supply chain is carbon neutral by 2039.
In the selection of next-generation battery technology, Mercedes-Benz will promote high-silicon anode technology, and the energy density can be increased to 900Wh/L; and develop solid-state battery technology, the energy density can reach 1200Wh/L, bringing about a substantial increase in cruising range and charging speed.
It is worth mentioning that the market potential of silicon-based anodes has gradually opened up. On the one hand, due to the strong market demand for lithium batteries for power tools and smart homes, the supply of lithium batteries from international power tool giants and cross-border e-commerce companies has been transferred to China. quantity.
On the other hand, the growth in sales of high-end models will further drive the growth in demand for silicon-based anodes. Among them, the 4680 cylindrical battery launched by Tesla is clearly equipped with a silicon-based negative electrode, and mass production has been launched in February this year; including NIO, Zhiji and GAC Aian all mention silicon negative electrode in battery technology, and plan to launch and deliver this year .
Silicon-based anodes will rapidly meet the demand for large-scale applications in the field of high-end lithium batteries, and the large-scale acceleration of the industrial chain of silicon-based anodes will promote the explosive growth of silicon-based anode materials.
