FIVEVB · Project

Next-Generation 5-Volt EV Batteries With Silicon Anodes Ready for Automotive Production

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Imagine your phone battery lasting twice as long — now scale that up to a car. This project tackled one of the biggest headaches in electric vehicles: batteries that don't store enough energy and wear out too fast. The team developed a new type of lithium-ion battery cell that runs at higher voltage (5 volts instead of the usual 4) and uses silicon instead of graphite in the anode, squeezing more energy into the same space. They built and tested a working prototype cell designed to fit into plug-in hybrid cars, produced on equipment that mimics a real factory line.

By the numbers

consortium partners across the EV battery value chain

countries represented (AT, BE, DE, FR)

industry partners in the consortium

67%

industry participation ratio

project deliverables produced

generations of cell chemistries evaluated and optimized

The business problem

What needed solving

Electric vehicle manufacturers and battery producers are under intense pressure to deliver longer range, faster charging, and lower cost — but current lithium-ion batteries are hitting the limits of conventional graphite anodes and 4-volt cathodes. European companies also face a strategic gap: most advanced cell production know-how sits outside Europe, creating supply chain risk for the automotive industry.

The solution

What was built

The project built a hard-case prismatic battery cell in PHEV1 format using 5-volt cathodes and silicon anodes, produced on a representative prototype facility. They also delivered accelerated test procedures for faster material-to-cell development, and provided input for European and international battery standardization.

Audience

Who needs this

EV manufacturers needing higher energy-density battery cellsBattery cell producers planning next-generation chemistry linesAutomotive Tier-1 suppliers developing battery modules and packsSpecialty chemical companies producing anode or cathode materialsAutomotive testing and certification companies

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Automotive Manufacturing

enterprise

Target: Electric vehicle OEMs and Tier-1 battery suppliers

If you are an EV manufacturer struggling with limited driving range and long charging times — this project developed a hard-case prismatic battery cell in PHEV1 format using high-voltage cathodes and silicon anodes, tested on a representative prototype production line. The technology targets higher energy density and longer lifetime, two factors that directly affect vehicle competitiveness. With 12 consortium partners including materials suppliers and automotive companies, the results are designed for industrial scale-up.

Battery Cell Production

enterprise

Target: Lithium-ion cell manufacturers and gigafactory operators

If you are a battery cell producer looking to differentiate with next-generation chemistry — this project evaluated two generations of cell chemistries covering anode, cathode, binder, and electrolyte combinations. They also developed accelerated test procedures that cut development time from material screening to finished cell. The 19 deliverables include validated production methods on representative prototype equipment, giving you a head start on industrializing 5V cell technology.

Advanced Materials & Chemicals

mid-size

Target: Specialty chemical companies supplying battery-grade materials

If you are a materials supplier seeking entry into the fast-growing EV battery supply chain — this project mapped the full value chain from raw materials to automotive-grade cells. The consortium tested high-capacity silicon anodes, high-voltage cathode materials, and new electrolyte formulations optimized for safety and environmental compliance. With 8 industry partners across 4 countries, the project created validated specifications that materials suppliers can target for commercial products.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to license or adopt this battery technology?

The project data does not include licensing terms or cost figures. Since the coordinator AVL LIST GMBH is a major automotive engineering firm and the consortium includes 8 industry partners, licensing would likely be negotiated directly. SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction to discuss terms.

Can this technology scale to mass production?

The project specifically built a hard-case prismatic cell in PHEV1 format on a representative prototype production facility, demonstrating industrial feasibility. The consortium was designed to cover the full value chain from materials suppliers to car manufacturers, with 67% industry participation across 12 partners. This is a strong indicator that scale-up was a core design goal.

What is the IP situation — are there patents or open results?

The project generated 19 deliverables. IP ownership typically sits with the consortium partners under Horizon 2020 rules. Specific patent filings are not listed in the available data. A direct conversation with the coordinator would clarify what is available for licensing.

How does this compare to current commercial EV batteries?

The project targeted 5-volt operation with silicon anodes, aiming for higher energy density than conventional graphite-anode cells running at around 4 volts. Two generations of cell chemistries were optimized for energy density, lifetime, safety, and cost. Based on available project data, exact performance figures require access to the prototype test report.

Is this technology compliant with automotive safety standards?

Safety was an explicit objective — the project used stable, safe, and environmentally friendly electrolytes and developed cells according to automotive requirements. They also contributed input for future European and international standardization. The prototype module deliverable includes a performance test report covering these aspects.

What is the timeline to get this into a product?

The project ran from 2015 to 2018 and produced a tested prototype module on representative production equipment. Moving from prototype to series production would require further industrialization investment. Given the project closed in 2018, some results may have already been adopted by consortium partners.

Consortium

Who built it

The FIVEVB consortium is heavily industry-driven with 8 out of 12 partners (67%) coming from the private sector, supported by 3 research organizations and 1 university. Coordinated by AVL LIST GMBH — a major Austrian automotive engineering company — the partnership spans 4 countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, France), all core European automotive markets. This structure deliberately mirrors the battery value chain from materials suppliers to car manufacturers, which significantly increases the chance that results move toward commercialization rather than staying in a lab. The low SME count (just 1) suggests this was designed as a large-industry play, meaning any business engagement would likely involve enterprise-level negotiations.

AVL LIST GMBHCoordinator · AT
ROBERT BOSCH GMBHparticipant · DE
3M DEUTSCHLAND GMBHparticipant · DE
VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSELparticipant · BE
VIRTUAL VEHICLE RESEARCH GMBHparticipant · AT
ZENTRUM FUR SONNENENERGIE- UND WASSERSTOFF-FORSCHUNG BADEN-WURTTEMBERGparticipant · DE
ARKEMA FRANCE SAparticipant · FR
UMICORE AG & CO KGthirdparty · DE
UMICORE SAparticipant · BE
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTparticipant · DE
JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSIONparticipant · BE

How to reach the team

AVL LIST GMBH is a well-known automotive engineering company based in Graz, Austria. Contact their battery development division.

Order a report on this consortium See AVL LIST GMBH profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the FIVEVB team to discuss licensing their 5V silicon-anode battery cell technology? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the right people at AVL LIST.

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