Hyperdrive
Car Battery Pioneer Says New Breakthrough Will Lower Cobalt Use
- Technology promises to reduce need for expensive element
- Entrepreneur has already licenced out his cathode recipe
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The scientist-turned-entrepreneur behind a battery technology adopted by chemical giants BASF SE and Johnson Matthey Plc is back with another invention -- one he claims will boost electric vehicle performance for years to come.
Kenan Sahin, 77, says his latest innovation reduces the need for cobalt, a key battery material, to only the most critical areas in order to lower costs. The blueish-gray element is mined mostly in Democratic Republic of Congo and prices have spiked in recent years amid fears of shortages for battery-powered cars.