Toshiba Corporation and Sojitz Corporation of Japan, along with Brazil’s CBMM, a major producer of niobium, have successfully developed a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery utilizing niobium titanium oxide (NTO) in the anode. Recently, they celebrated the completion of this innovative battery technology by unveiling a prototype electric bus powered by the new battery. This electric bus boasts an ultra-fast charging time of just 10 minutes and offers high energy density.
The prototype E-bus is currently undergoing testing and demonstration at CBMM’s industrial plant in Araxá, Brazil, making it the first of its kind to operate using a lithium-ion battery with NTO anodes. This breakthrough brings us one step closer to the widespread commercialization of this advanced battery technology. The collaborative efforts of these three companies aim to fully leverage their expertise and technologies to introduce the next-generation lithium-ion battery with NTO anode to the global market by the spring of 2025.
The development of the NTO battery-powered E-bus was spearheaded by Volkswagen Truck & Bus, Brazil, known for its pioneering work in electric truck development and production in Latin America. The decision to explore the potential of NTO as an anode material was made in June 2018, following the discovery that NTO offers twice the theoretical volume density compared to the graphite-based anodes commonly used in lithium-ion batteries.
To further solidify their partnership and advance the mass production of next-generation batteries, the three companies signed a joint development agreement in September 2021, focusing on the utilization of these batteries in commercial electric vehicles. Subsequently, in August 2023, they entered into a comprehensive joint sales and marketing agreement, which included the establishment of a supply chain and the promotion of sales and marketing activities.
In May of this year, during a ceremony attended by representatives from the Brazilian and Japanese governments, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the supply chain and enhancing business promotion efforts. This collaboration underscores the commitment of Toshiba, Sojitz, and CBMM to drive innovation in the electric vehicle market and revolutionize battery technology.
The successful development of the ultra-fast charging electric bus prototype powered by the next-generation lithium-ion battery with NTO anode represents a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions. As the world looks towards a greener future, initiatives like these highlight the importance of cross-border partnerships and technological innovation in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles on a global scale.