Tech startup pioneers carbon fiber batteries that can store energy in the body of EVs or aircraft.

At the forefront of cutting-edge technology, Sinonus, a spinout from Chalmers Technical University and part of Chalmers Ventures' portfolio, is revolutionizing industries with its breakthrough in carbon fiber technology – energy storage.

Well-known for its exceptional strength and light weight, carbon fiber has been used in many products, such as aircraft components, high-performance sports equipment like bicycles and tennis rackets, automotive parts, and even prosthetic limbs.

Composed of carbon atoms bonded together into crystals that are structured in a fibrous form, this material boasts a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, surpassing that of steel while being significantly lighter.

Founded as a spinoff from Chalmers University of Technology and KTH University in Stockholm, Sinonus is leveraging the unique properties of carbon fiber in truly innovative ways.

Where traditional applications focus solely on structural strength, Sinonus has engineered carbon fiber to serve dual roles as both a structural component and a high-capacity battery electrode.

New age batteries

At present, many companies in the aviation sector are working toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. One of these solutions is through battery technology; however, there is a major engineering hurdle to overcome in this pursuit – weight.

Current batteries are heavy, and lighter weight is essential for passenger aircraft efficiency, especially considering the cost of a plane ticket.

This is where a potential solution is being developed – a unique carbon fiber material that can store electrical energy but is also strong and lightweight. In essence, this could be considered a zero-weight battery because it is part of the aircraft's structure.

Sinonus

The carbon fiber technology being developed by Sinonus originates from Oxeon, another Chalmers Venture portfolio company.

Oxeon carbon fiber was used in the propeller blades for NASA's autonomous Ingenuity helicopter, which completed the first powered, controlled flight on Mars in January – the material was specifically chosen by the engineering team due to its ultra-light weight and thinness.

Sinonus says it has already demonstrated the potential of its technology by replacing AAA batteries in low-power products in its lab. The goal is to expand the technology to larger applications such as internet of things devices, and eventually to drones, computers, larger vehicles, and ultimately aircraft.

Unlimited potential

The batteries in today's electric cars constitute a large part of the vehicles' weight without fulfilling any load-bearing function. EVs can weigh almost 50% more than regular cars due to their lithium-ion batteries, causing damage to roads, bridges, and parking garages.

A structural battery could not only function as a power source, but as the body of the vehicle or craft as well.

According to a study from Chalmers University of Technology, the introduction of carbon fiber-based structural batteries could increase the driving range for lightweight electric vehicles by 70%.

In addition, the lower energy density of structural batteries would make them safer than standard batteries, especially as they would not contain any volatile substances.

"Storing electrical energy in carbon fiber may perhaps not become as efficient as traditional batteries, but since our carbon fiber solution also has a structural load-bearing capability, very large gains can be made at a system level," said Sinonus CEO Markus Zetterström.

Innovative advancement in carbon fiber technology by Sinonus holds promise for revolutionizing energy storage in various industries. By integrating structural batteries, it paves the way for lighter and more efficient vehicles and aircraft. With ongoing research, Sinonus is poised to lead the charge towards a future where sustainable transport solutions are not just envisioned but realized.