Seeo Awarded USABC Contract for Technology Assessment High Energy Density Electric Vehicle Battery
Seeo, a leading developer of advanced lithium polymer batteries, today announced the significant award of a contract for technology assessment from the esteemed United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC). Importantly, USABC is a collaborative organization composed of major automotive industry players, including FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. Each company brings its unique expertise and resources to the table. Furthermore, Seeo Awarded USABC contract signifies a comprehensive three-party assessment of the technical characteristics of Seeo’s innovative high energy density batteries.
These batteries, in turn, promise to vastly improve performance and efficiency in various applications. For example, they benefit consumer electronics and renewable energy storage systems. Additionally, it includes thorough validation of characteristics anticipated for electric vehicle applications. As a result, this ensures that they meet not only industry standards but also consumer expectations for longevity and power. This reflects a crucial advancement in the quest for sustainable and reliable energy solutions. These innovations are optimizing energy consumption while minimizing waste. Consequently, it aims to enhance the driving experience for consumers by providing longer ranges and faster charging times. This makes electric vehicles more appealing to a broader audience. At the same time, it contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Ultimately, this aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Co-Funding
This program is co-funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the contract has a total value of $298,736. This substantial funding reflects the government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies. In particular, it focuses on solar power solutions. It’s worth noting that this amount includes a significant 50 percent cost share contributed by Seeo being awarded the USABC contract. That’s because shows their dedication to innovation in energy storage and efficiency is further highlighted. By partnering with such esteemed entities, the program aims not only to enhance solar technology but also to drive economic growth. Furthermore, it seeks to create job opportunities in the clean energy sector. This benefits communities across the nation.
SEEO Battery Modules
“We are very pleased to engage with USABC and the major U.S. automobile manufacturers,” said Hal Zarem, President and CEO of Seeo. “This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation in the automotive sector. By working closely with these leading manufacturers, we aim to enhance sustainable practices and develop cutting-edge technologies that will pave the way for a greener future. Our partnership highlights the importance of combining resources and expertise to address the challenges faced by the industry, ultimately benefitting consumers and the environment alike.”
As part of this contract, Seeo is delivering several hundred cells from their pilot manufacturing line, which signifies a significant advancement in energy storage technology. Furthermore, all these cells are meticulously assembled in specialized battery modules, with each module providing an impressive storage capacity of 1.65 kWh. Consequently, this robust storage solution not only enhances the efficiency and sustainability of energy usage but also opens up exciting possibilities for various applications across industries. Moreover, they are welcoming the opportunity to independently validate their performance, ensuring that these innovations meet and exceed industry standards. This validation is particularly crucial as we prepare to introduce the next leap forward in electric vehicle battery technology, which promises to revolutionize how electric vehicles function while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. In addition, this partnership not only highlights the commitment to quality and advancement but also sets the stage for future innovations in energy storage systems that will play a pivotal role in a cleaner environment.
Seeo Awarded USABC Contract for Breakthrough EV Battery Innovation
The push for better electric vehicle batteries continues to accelerate. California-based startup Seeo Inc. received a contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) to test its next-generation solid-state battery technology.
The award supports validation of Seeo’s DryLyte™ battery modules. These advanced batteries are designed to improve safety, performance, and energy density for future electric vehicles.
A Public-Private Push for Better EV Batteries
The roughly $298,000 contract funds a nine-month technology evaluation program. It focuses on testing Seeo’s battery modules under automotive operating conditions.
The effort is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s vehicle technologies battery research program together with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, which represents automakers including Ford, General Motors, and FCA US.
The consortium works to accelerate advanced battery technologies so automakers can bring longer-range and more affordable electric vehicles to market faster.
Solid-State Batteries Could Transform Electric Cars
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on liquid electrolytes, Seeo’s technology uses a solid polymer electrolyte.
Solid-state batteries eliminate the flammable liquid components found in many lithium-ion cells. This can significantly improve safety. It also allows the use of lithium metal anodes, which dramatically increase energy density.
Seeo’s DryLyte technology already achieves around 220 watt-hours per kilogram. That performance is comparable with many existing lithium-ion EV batteries.
Future versions could exceed 300 watt-hours per kilogram, potentially delivering much longer driving ranges.
Testing the Next Generation of EV Battery Modules
Under the program, Seeo will deliver several hundred battery cells from its pilot manufacturing line. These cells will then be assembled into battery modules capable of storing about 1.65 kilowatt-hours of energy each.
Independent testing will evaluate durability, safety, and long-term performance. As explained in Charged EVs Magazine’s report on the battery testing program, the modules will undergo rigorous automotive testing standards used by USABC partners.
The results will determine whether the technology can move closer to commercial electric vehicle applications.
Why Battery Innovation Matters
Battery performance remains one of the most important factors influencing EV adoption. Improvements in energy density, cost, and safety will determine how quickly electric vehicles replace gasoline cars.
Next-generation battery designs such as Seeo’s solid-state technology could deliver:
Higher driving range
Lower battery weight
Improved safety
Greater thermal stability
As someone who wrote Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, I’ve watched battery technology evolve dramatically over the past two decades. Programs like the USABC initiative show how government, industry, and startups are working together to push EV battery innovation forward.
The Road Ahead for Solid-State EV Batteries
Solid-state batteries are widely viewed as one of the most promising paths toward safer and longer-range electric vehicles.
While many technical challenges remain, partnerships like this one help bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and real-world EV production.
As automakers continue investing billions in electrification, the technologies being tested today could become the foundation of tomorrow’s electric vehicle fleets.
Sources:
For the entire release from SEEO. Notably, USABC awarded a contract to Seeo, and this Seeo Awarded USABC contract represents a recognition of their advanced battery technology efforts.
Hayward, Calif., Jan. 14, 2015 (PR Newswire)
