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january 23, 2019 - Volkswagen

Volkswagen invests in US start-up Forge Nano

The #volkswagen Group is investing US$10 million in the #startup “Forge Nano Inc.” with a view to reinforcing its specialist knowledge in the field of battery research. #forgenano is investigating a material coating technology that could further improve the performance of battery materials. As a partner, #volkswagen will provide support for industrial trials of this technology. The transaction is still subject to approval by the authorities.

 

Volkswagen has been collaborating with #forgenano on advanced battery material research since 2014. The #startup with headquarters in Louisville, Colorado, is investigating processes for scaling atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create new core-shell materials, especially for battery applications. ALD is a chemical process for applying atomic scale coatings one atom at a time. With its specific ALD technology, #forgenano aims to boost energy density of vehicle battery cells. For example, a higher energy density would have positive effects on the range of electric vehicles. #volkswagen has been lending their #automotive and battery expertise towards Forge Nano’s applied research efforts.

The #volkswagen Group is consistently forging ahead with its electric offensive and intends to offer more than 50 battery-electric models by 2025, accounting for about a fifth of its entire model portfolio. To safeguard this approach, #volkswagen is cooperating with strategic battery cell suppliers and developing its own specialist know-how in battery research. This also includes targeted venture investments. #volkswagen is increasingly investing in international start-ups to bring innovative technologies forward to production maturity together.

Dr. Axel Heinrich, Head of #volkswagen Group Research, says: “At #volkswagen, we want to be the world’s leading provider of e-mobility. We are continually expanding the battery technology know-how required for this purpose. We need to safeguard our technological competence for the future. Cooperation with start-ups is a key element in these efforts. We are acting as a partner to #forgenano and intend to provide the team with opportunities to carry out industrial trials with its innovative technology.”

Dr. Paul Lichty, Founder and CEO of #forgenano, says: “Our atomically precise surface engineering technology is ushering in a new era of high performance materials. We are excited to partner with a company that has such a strong commitment to commercializing innovation.”