November 7, 2025: Japan’s Asahi Kasei said on November 4 it was licensing its novel electrolyte technology to Germany-based EAS Batteries for the launch of an ultra-high-power battery cell.
The acetonitrile-containing electrolyte tech will be used by EAS, which is owned by European lead battery major Monbat, to develop novel ultra-high-power lithium ion cells using LFP cathodes.
Asahi said the electrolyte’s high ionic conductivity contributes to reduced internal cell resistance and enhanced rate capability, even under demanding temperature conditions.
The market launch of EAS’ new cell utilizing this technology is in line with Asahi’s commercialization plans, with the product scheduled to be released by March 2026.
The development of the new cylindrical, ultra-high-power cell, UHP601300 LFP 22, is receiving undisclosed financial backing from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
Asahi said the tech is designed to target demanding applications in marine, railway, and construction machinery.
In 2010, Asahi began developing high ionic conductive electrolyte with Akira Yoshino, focusing on acetonitrile as a promising ingredient in lithium ion battery electrolytes.
Yoshino is credited with inventing a new combination of carbon for the negative electrode and lithium cobalt oxide for the positive electrode. He also developed the fundamental lithium battery technology, and fabricated the first battery cell.
In June 2024, Asahi announced the successful proof of concept for lithium ion batteries using its proprietary high ionic conductive electrolyte containing acetonitrile. This technological breakthrough enables increased power output at low temperatures and improved durability at high temperatures, the company said.
The new cell, with a capacity of 22Ah, demonstrates a specific power of 2,550 W/kg under continuous discharge conditions. Asahi said this is about 60% higher than that of cells using conventional electrolytes. It also delivers 3,760 W/kg under a two-second pulse discharge, representing a 10% improvement.
In addition, the cell is said to show a cycle life of 2,400 cycles at 5C/5C — it can be charged or discharged at a rate that is five times its rated capacity — (100% DoD) at room temperature before reaching 80% of its initial capacity.
This performance was demonstrated by testing with the charge and discharge current set at 110A, which corresponds to a fast full charge and discharge cycle completed in just 24 minutes.
The reduced internal resistance of the new cell also results in lower heat generation during cycling and improved energy efficiency compared to cells using conventional electrolytes.
Asahi and EAS have agreed to sub-license their combined technologies to global OEMs and battery manufacturers, aiming to expand into mobility applications.
Osamu Matsuzaki, senior executive officer of Asahi and head of corporate R&D and IP, said: “By combining our technology with the expertise of EAS, we achieved an advanced cell design with unprecedented performance. As energy systems transform worldwide, I am confident that our technology will enable the further development of high-performance cells with clear competitive advantage.”
