Morrow Batteries Announces Significant Development In The Production of A-sample LFP cells
Mar 31, 2023
Morrow Batteries, the Norwegian battery manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful production of its first Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery cell, also known as the A-sample. The company's Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Rahul Fotedar, congratulated the team on their achievement and stated that the A-sample is the first step towards commercial production of LFP batteries. The company plans to start B-sample production in March and complete the C-sample before starting mass industrial production in Arendal, Norway, in 2024.
Morrow Batteries has set up a temporary Customer Qualification Line (CQL) in South Korea, which will be fully operational in a few weeks, producing several thousand final format prismatic cells each month. The pilot production site has similar properties to the Gigafactory currently under construction in Arendal.
Dr. Fotedar expressed his excitement and noted that the company is now writing the first chapter of the Morrow story. He added that the milestones achieved in the first quarter put the company on track to start industrial-scale production of LFP batteries in Arendal next year.
The LFP battery cell is a forerunner to Morrow's next-generation LNMO batteries, which are being developed simultaneously. LNMO is a cell that can compete with NMC in terms of high energy density, but it contains 60% less nickel than NMC. Both the pilot line in South Korea and the Gigafactory in Arendal are capable of producing both LFP and LNMO batteries.
Morrow and its partners are using the LFP A-samples to test facilities and processes. The battery is ideal for standard-range vehicles, trucks, machines such as forklifts, and energy storage systems (ESS). The company has already started discussions with potential customers about the LFP batteries.
Dr. Fotedar emphasized that LFP batteries are produced without the need for cobalt and nickel, which reduces sourcing difficulties and ensures a product that is more cost-effective and sustainable. Morrow's batteries will be produced in Arendal, Norway, powered by Norwegian hydropower, and the company aims to use only European minerals to avoid ethical and cost concerns usually associated with minerals sourcing during future commercial production.
Finally, the A-sample cell has passed several safety and transport tests such as UN38.3, UL9540A, IEC62619, and IEC62660-2, confirming its suitability for use in commercial applications.