In a groundbreaking demonstration, UK start-up Nyobolt showcased its innovative electric car battery, which successfully charged from 10% to 80% in an impressive four minutes and 37 seconds. This milestone was achieved using a specially-built concept sports car on a test track in Bedford, marking a significant advancement in the quest for faster electric vehicle (EV) charging.
By contrast, current Tesla superchargers typically require 15-20 minutes to reach 80% charge. This breakthrough by Nyobolt underscores the industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce charging times and mitigate “range anxiety,” a critical barrier to broader EV adoption.
Paul Shearing, Professor of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Oxford University, emphasised the importance of rapid charging technology, equating it to the time it takes to refuel a conventional car. “Developing technology that enables people to charge more quickly is really important,” Shearing told the BBC. However, he also highlighted the need for a more extensive and varied charging infrastructure. “People are going to want fast-charging infrastructure, independent of what car they’re using – everyone wants to do this more quickly,” he added.
During the two-day testing period, the Nyobolt battery-powered sports car achieved a range of 120 miles after just four minutes of charging. In comparison, a Tesla charged to 80% generally offers a range of up to 200 miles.
Nyobolt co-founder Dr. Sai Shivareddy expressed satisfaction with the results but admitted the tests were “nerve-wracking.” Conducted live before an audience of industry professionals, the demonstration encountered challenges, including a UK heatwave, a malfunction in the car’s cooling system, and issues with a non-Nyobolt standard on-site charger. These hurdles prevented the firm from replicating their laboratory results, which claim a 0% to 100% charge in six minutes. Despite these setbacks, Dr. Shivareddy hailed the event as “a big milestone for electrification,” humorously noting that his own car was still charging since that morning.
Nyobolt does not plan to manufacture vehicles but aims to collaborate with established car brands, with expectations of integrating their batteries into EVs “at small scale” within a year. The required 350kW DC superfast chargers are available in the UK but remain sparse.
Additionally, Nyobolt asserts minimal battery degradation, maintaining 80% charge capacity after 4,000 cycles. For context, Apple’s iPhone 15 battery is designed to retain 80% functionality after 1,000 cycles.
The global race to develop faster-charging, more powerful, lighter, and durable batteries continues to intensify. Last year, Toyota announced a breakthrough in solid-state battery technology, promising a ten-minute charge and a range of 1,200 km (754 miles). Similarly, US start-up Gravity developed a compact charger capable of adding 200 miles of range in under 13 minutes.
Dr. Edward Brightman, a lecturer in chemical engineering at Strathclyde University, pointed out that while rapid charging is beneficial for long journeys, the primary challenge for EV adoption lies in the supporting infrastructure. “Electric cars really aren’t limited by the batteries anymore,” he stated. “We urgently need to upgrade the grid and deploy rapid chargers with the capability to deliver the charge to the battery.”
This technological advancement holds significant potential for the UK commercial fleet market. Faster charging times can dramatically enhance operational efficiency for businesses reliant on electric vehicles, such as logistics companies, delivery services, and public transportation. Reducing the downtime associated with charging can lead to increased productivity and lower operational costs. Moreover, the ability to rapidly recharge vehicles could enable companies to maintain smaller fleets while meeting the same demand, thus optimising asset utilisation and contributing to sustainability goals. As the UK commercial sector increasingly adopts electric vehicles, innovations like Nyobolt’s battery technology could be a pivotal factor in accelerating this transition.