Today, Lyten primarily produces lithium-sulfur batteries in Silicon Valley for drones and the defense industry. Northvolt, on the other hand, produced lithium-ion batteries found in mobile phones, laptops, and electric cars.
So lithium-sulfur in comparison, it's a tiny market, says Daniel Brandell, professor of materials chemistry at Uppsala University.
He has been researching lithium-sulfur batteries for almost 15 years.
The great interest and hype, when one believed that this could become something, was 10 years ago.
Short lifespan
Interest in the battery technology for road vehicles has been lukewarm, since one realized the limitations, says Brandell. The biggest problem with lithium-sulfur batteries compared to lithium-ion batteries is the much shorter lifespan. The other problem is safety. In the event of an accident, an explosion can occur, because the metal film in the battery is very reactive.
But there are also advantages. The batteries contain more sustainable and cheaper substances. The light weight is one of the biggest advantages – and important for aircraft. Due to safety aspects, it is not suitable for regular airplanes, says Branell.
Just when it comes to unmanned aircraft, then the lithium-sulfur technology is not a bad alternative at all.
Lyten hopes that the purchase will interest the European automotive industry, and according to CEO Dan Cook, talks have been held with the major car manufacturers in Europe since before. How likely is it?
It feels very much less likely since the batteries have such a much shorter lifespan. Already today, we would need to increase the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. To then switch to a battery chemistry that has a worse lifespan, I don't think that seems particularly realistic.
"Crème de la crème"
According to Brandell, the batteries Northvolt manufactured were "very good", with special adaptation for heavier vehicles. He calls them the "crème de la crème" of lithium-ion batteries.
Therefore, he believes that Lyten will initially continue to manufacture just those, which would be smart from a business perspective. Starting to manufacture lithium-sulfur batteries also requires a different type of production.
Then one thinks that one will try to also steer production towards what is one's core technology, namely lithium-sulfur, says Brandell.
