Three car manufacturers fund the development of new battery anode technology through a $4m grant to Northwestern University spinout Sinode Systems.

Sinode Systems, a battery technology spinout from Northwestern University, has been awarded a $4m contract from the US Advanced Battery Consortium, a group made of three car companies – FCA, Ford and GM.

Sinode Systems has been developing silicon-graphene anode technology. The technology enables batteries to store more energy and to accept higher and faster charge levels.

The grant specifically funds the development of these anodes for use in automotive lithium-ion battery applications. The technology could, for example, increase the range and improve the charging rate of electric cars.

The grant covers a 30-month program.

Samir Mayekar, co-founder and chief executive of Sinode Systems, said: “Sinode Systems is pleased to be a recipient of this grant and is proud to contribute to the Advanced Battery Consortium’s battery technology research and development programs.

“We believe our advanced anode materials technology will be an enabler in improving the performance and reducing the cost of advanced batteries for vehicle electrification.”