Proactive Investors - Ilika PLC (LON:IKA), a specialist in solid-state battery technology, has announced the successful completion of testing on its Goliath D5 prototypes.
Investors were told the results confirm that the safety of Ilika's solid-state units is superior to conventional lithium-ion power cells, commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs).
Analysis revealed that the D5 is safer when punctured, without causing leaks, fire, or explosions - risks that lithium-ion technology faces.
Experts note the safety advantage of Goliath batteries could lead to reduced need for heavy protective materials in EV designs, making cars lighter, safer, and potentially cheaper to produce.
Additionally, the improved safety means a lower operating temperature during failure, roughly 300°C cooler than lithium-ion cells, reducing the risk of thermal issues.
In the update, Ilika also revealed that the Goliath D5 improves battery performance. It handles faster discharge rates, meaning that it can maintain higher power output without sacrificing capacity, a key benefit for electric vehicle applications.
These improvements bring Ilika closer to achieving a minimum viable product, a significant step for future licensing deals and the next phase of development, leading to the Goliath D8 prototype in 2025.
"While our test programme will continue throughout our journey to a minimum viable product, we're delighted with this positive outcome," said CEO Graeme Purdy.
"The validity of the results is enhanced by the independent execution of the tests carried out by University College London and the University of Oxford under the Faraday Institution's Safebatt Industrial Sprint programme and by DEKRA."