Magnets boost EV battery performance

This new, magnetic method unlocks rapid charging and improves battery health

Spotted: According to the International Energy Agency, electric car sales could reach 17 million in 2024, accounting for one in five cars sold globally. Despite this progress, time-consuming charging is one of the hurdles preventing even faster mass market adoption, and global innovators are working to overcome this barrier. One of these is University College London (UCL) spin-off Gaussion, which has turned towards magnets as a novel solution.

Gaussion has dramatically improved EV battery performance, enabling rapid charging on commercially available battery cells. By applying an external magnetic field during charge and discharge cycles, the team directs ions within the battery cells. This innovative approach reduces cell degradation, extends battery life, and has successfully demonstrated 10-minute charging capabilities.

“In many applications, we are observing that efforts to rapidly electrify are delayed or blocked due to the cost of raising the ceiling of battery performance,” explains Tom Heenan, Gaussion CEO and co-founder. “Magnetic enhancement could provide step-change improvements across all chemistries, formats, and applications, affordably unlocking electrification without compromising on cost or performance.”

This groundbreaking technology is supported by a $12 million capital raise. The Series A round, led by Autotech Ventures, also saw participation from existing investors BGF and the UCL Technology Fund, managed by AlbionVC in collaboration with UCL Business. The funds will enable Gaussion’s market entry, including the production and sale of its products, with possible opportunities to license its technology for other applications.

Written By: Georgia King