European pioneers in solid-state batteries: BASQUEVOLT

If there is no significant cost reduction and much higher energy density in the future batteries the wider electrification in sectors like passenger cars, heavy duty vehicles, marine or aviation will not happen despite a regulatory framework going in that direction. In that context, if the carbon neutrality ambitions of the society are maintained, the situation will widen social inequalities and set back decades of social and economic progress.

Because of the strategic importance of developing future battery technologies in Europe and reduce the dependency from Asia, Basquevolt was launched as a public-private cooperation with the objective of bringing to the market a battery technology that will accelerate reaching the cost parity between electric powertrains and combustion engines, reduce the energy needs and the carbon footprint in the battery production process and increase the energy storage capabilities we could have for every kilo of raw material we get from Earth.

The key differentiating technology developed by Basquevolt is a new family of battery polymer electrolytes and its integration with new cathode and anode chemistries. They are based in more than 10 patents, numerous industry secrets and know how that was originally developed by Professor Michel Armand and his research group at the CIC energiGUNE in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The company will produce battery cells but also will provide polymer electrolytes and technology licenses to OEMs and cell markets.

In conversation with Francisco Carranza, CEO of BASQUEVOLT

Q. How do you solve the complexity surrounding solid state batteries?

The solid polymer electrolyte technology was first presented in 1978 by one of the “fathers of modern lithium batteries” Professor Michel Armand, with the first battery cells assembled in the early 90's, but limitations in terms of the operating temperature and power density prevented the industrialization at large scale until now. The work done by Professor Armand in the last decade has led to significant progress demonstrating that industrial applications are now at reach.

Q. While smartphones, smart homes and even electric vehicles are growing ever more advanced, they're still limited by energy density. Do you think we are in the verge of an evolution?

Certainly, we see the industry investing significantly in solid state technologies now, many of those technologies are targeting some specific sectors and will mark a turning point in the road to full electrification. Before the end of the decade, we will see in the market some of these products that will accelerate the phase out of fossil fuels.

Q. How do you overcome the limitations in the battery development?

We are strong believers in the value of partnerships. The battery industry is very complex and it takes a lot of effort and time to reach enough maturity and quality in the cell design and production before being ready for the market launch. By having a network of strategic partners, each of them contributing in their core area of expertise, it is possible to reduce the risks and accelerate the development and commercialization.

Q. How do you market your services?

Our battery cells and our technology in general need to be customized to each customer and each specific program. The introduction to the market of solid state batteries require a strong and long term cooperation with a selected number of large customers.

Q. Do you have any new services ready to be launched?

Basquevolt will start the operations of its pilot production line in 2025 and the mass market production of its first battery cells in 2027.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

Indeed, very exciting times. We are one of the only companies in our sector with a clear commitment towards accelerating the phase out of fossil fuels and with a strong focus on enabling an affordable and sustainable future for all.

Meet the leader behind the success of BASQUEVOLT

As a society we have been using fossil fuels as main energy carrier for very long time, many of the products and services we use in our daily lives still depend on them. To change that, industry leaders need to be able to challenge the status quo, take risks and bold decisions that will put them out of their comfort zone. Francisco Carranza, CEO of BASQUEVOLT is part of that new generation of industry leaders that is pushing the boundaries and accelerating the transformation of our society to fight climate change and reduce our collective environmental footprint.

“We are developing sustainable, safer, and very competitive solid-state battery technology with the best materials and cells for electric vehicles, heavy transport, renewable energy, and electronic devices.”

“BASQUEVOLT aims to become the European leader in the next generation of solid-state lithium batteries. Our technology will make possible the mass deployment of electric transportation, stationary energy storage and advanced portable devices.”