Amprius Technologies, a California-based company specializing in lithium-ion batteries with their Silicon Anode Platform, is providing battery cells to the Astrum solar car. The Astrum, created by a team from the University of Michigan, will be participating in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in October. This challenge involves designing and piloting solar-powered vehicles along a 3,000-kilometer route in Australia.
One of the key advantages of Amprius’ battery cells is their high energy density. Their commercially available batteries have an energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg and 1,150 Wh/L. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for powering long-distance solar cars.
In addition to the University of Michigan’s team, Amprius is also collaborating with other collegiate solar car teams participating in the Solar Challenge. These include the Brunel Solar Team and Solar Team Twente from the Netherlands, as well as the Innoptus Solar Team from Belgium.
Dr. Kang Sun, CEO of Amprius, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting collegiate STEM programs. He explained that their next-generation batteries were chosen after a rigorous technical evaluation. Amprius expects their batteries to provide exceptional endurance and range in the extreme conditions of the 3,000-kilometer race.
With Amprius Technologies’ battery cells powering the Astrum solar car, the University of Michigan’s team can look forward to a highly efficient and long-lasting energy source during the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.