Asahi Kasei licenses electrolyte technology to EAS Batteries
Asahi Kasei and EAS Batteries have signed a licence agreement for the use of Asahi Kasei’s novel acetonitrile-based electrolyte in EAS’s new cylindrical ultra-high-power lithium-ion cell. The electrolyte, first demonstrated in June 2024, enables higher power output at low temperatures and improved durability at high temperatures. The market launch of the new cell, which uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode, is scheduled for no later than March 2026.
The new cell achieves a specific power of 2,550 W/kg during continuous discharge – around 60 per cent higher than cells using conventional electrolytes, according to Asahi Kasei – and up to 3,760 W/kg under a two-second pulse discharge. Testing also demonstrated a cycle life of 2,400 cycles at 5C/5C (with a full discharge) at room temperature, corresponding to a full charge and discharge in just 24 minutes. Reduced internal resistance leads to lower heat generation and improved energy efficiency compared with conventional cells.
Developed with funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space under the “HEADLINE” project, the 22-Ah UHP601300 LFP 22 cell was designed to meet the requirements of marine, railway, and construction machinery applications.
Both companies plan to sublicense their combined technologies to global OEMs and battery manufacturers to accelerate adoption in mobility and industrial applications. Moreover, Asahi Kasei aims to conclude at least ten new licence agreements by fiscal 2027, contributing ¥10 billion (around 600,000 euros) or more in cumulative profit by 2030.
“Our collaboration with Asahi Kasei sets a strong foundation for advancing cell quality and performance, especially for high-power cells,” said Michael Deutmeyer, Managing Director of EAS Batteries. “The robustness of the electrolyte is key—not only for EAS products but also for scaling our technology across markets.”
Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Head of Corporate R&D and IP, added: “We are proud to provide high ionic conductivity electrolyte technology that contributes to battery cells which set a new benchmark for high power output. By combining our technology with the expertise of EAS, we achieved an advanced cell design with unprecedented performance.”
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