The lithium-ion battery technology firm A123 Systems has invested an unspecified amount of money into the solid-state battery tech developer Solid Power Inc, according to recent reports.
The Solid Power battery solution is based around the use of a high-capacity lithium-metal anode paired with a high-capacity cathode and a high-ionic conductivity solid separator. So, as would be expected of a solid-state battery, the solution features no volatile or flammable elements.
In addition to the improved safety potential, the Solid Power battery solution is capable of providing much higher energy densities than conventional lithium-ion tech is (2–3 times greater, reportedly).
The potential to eliminate the costly safety features included in lithium-ion batteries could also allow for relatively low cost solid-state systems (despite added expenses elsewhere).
Green Car Congress provides more: “Solid Power’s technology has been recognized as a game-changer by 
several global automakers and the investment from A123 will help power the ongoing development of the company’s cell manufacturing strategy.
“This investment represents another step in A123’s plan to couple strategic technology investments to its own substantial R&D efforts in order to develop a world-class portfolio of battery technology.”
Solid Power’s CEO, Doug Campbell, commented on the investment: “We are committed to advancing the solid-state battery industry and pushing the limits on development as a way to improve battery-powered devices such as electric vehicles, portable electronics, and other applications. The investment from A123 will help us continue to make significant strides toward large-scale commercialization.”
As some background on the company, for those unfamiliar with it, Solid Power was founded back in 2012 as a spin-off of research work done at the University of Colorado Boulder.
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