Daqus Energy: Affordable, Fast & Lightweight EV Sports Cars

A New Battery Material: TAQ – Cheaper, Lighter, and Denser

The pursuit of the ideal battery centers around three key attributes: affordability, reduced weight, and increased density. While a truly perfect battery cell remains elusive, Daqus Energy, a burgeoning startup, believes it has identified a novel material poised to address at least two of these critical challenges.

Introducing TAQ: A Promising Compound

For the past four months, Daqus Energy has been diligently refining a compound designated as TAQ. This material demonstrates the potential to be both more cost-effective and lighter in weight compared to currently utilized battery materials.

“Across all measured metrics, TAQ has not exhibited any performance shortcomings when contrasted with existing industry standards,” stated Harish Banda, co-founder and CEO of Daqus, in an interview with TechCrunch. The company originated as a spin-off from MIT, with initial material research benefiting from a collaborative partnership with Lamborghini.

Scaling Production and Commercialization

However, certain considerations remain. Banda acknowledges that the company is still in the process of expanding TAQ production capacity. Furthermore, development efforts have only recently begun focusing on cell types suitable for integration into electric vehicles (EVs). It’s also important to note that numerous promising battery materials have encountered obstacles during the journey to full commercial viability.

Despite these challenges, the substantial potential of TAQ has spurred Daqus to emerge from its stealth mode, securing a $6 million seed funding round. This round was spearheaded by Morningside, with additional contributions from undisclosed private investors.

TAQ's Role in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Daqus’s innovative material is designed to replace the cathode component within a lithium-ion battery. Conventional cells typically employ nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) or iron-phosphate (LFP) for their cathodes.

• NMC cells offer superior energy density and extended range for EVs, but come at a higher price point.
• LFP cells are more affordable but tend to be heavier.

While U.S. and European automakers initially favored NMC cells, a shift towards LFP is occurring to reduce costs. A significant drawback of LFP is that the majority of its cathode materials are currently manufactured in China, potentially disqualifying U.S.-made EVs from receiving tax credits.

A Carbon-Based Alternative

The material under development by Daqus, bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone – or TAQ – avoids the use of costly and strategically sensitive minerals like nickel and cobalt. Instead, it is synthesized entirely from readily available carbon-based compounds.

The initial two molecules utilized in the manufacturing process are already widely employed in the production of dyes and fertilizers. “These compounds are remarkably inexpensive,” Banda explained, noting that the company currently purchases small quantities at a cost of $1 per kilogram. “Consequently, the potential cost savings when procuring larger volumes are substantial.”

Energy-Efficient Manufacturing

The synthesis of a TAQ cathode also requires significantly less energy input. The process involves heating the material to only 120°C, a reduction of 700°C to 800°C compared to the energy demands of LFP or NMC cathode production, according to Banda.

Furthermore, TAQ can be deposited using existing manufacturing equipment. An additional cost reduction opportunity exists as current anode manufacturing equipment is also compatible with TAQ. This would enable battery manufacturers to utilize water as a solvent, replacing NMP – a toxic solvent requiring capture and recycling.

Cost Competitiveness

Considering these factors, Banda is confident that TAQ can undercut the price of the most affordable lithium-ion batteries currently available. “If current estimates place LFP batteries at $50 per kilowatt hour, we are certain to be more competitive,” Banda asserted. “The precise extent of this cost advantage is still under investigation.”

Performance and Durability

Daqus has been producing coin cells in its Massachusetts laboratory, and internal testing has demonstrated the durability of TAQ. These batteries have successfully undergone 2,000 charge and discharge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their original capacity. They also exhibit stability at elevated temperatures.

Moreover, these small-scale batteries demonstrate a charging rate that, when scaled to EVs, suggests the possibility of six-minute fast charging capabilities.

Space, Weight, and Range

While TAQ cathodes occupy a slightly larger volume than NMC cathodes, they are comparable to LFP in terms of space requirements. However, due to TAQ’s lighter weight, EVs designed around this material could also be lighter overall, requiring fewer batteries. This could enable TAQ-powered EVs to achieve competitive range with NMC batteries while remaining both cheaper and lighter.

Potential Applications in Sports Cars

The benefits of TAQ may be particularly pronounced in the realm of sports cars. Weight has historically been a significant drawback of electrification, as achieving rapid acceleration is relatively straightforward, but maintaining handling precision on a racetrack presents a greater challenge. A lightweight, fast-charging battery pack could significantly enhance the performance and driving experience of electric sports cars.

“Numerous automotive companies are actively developing electric vehicles,” Banda concluded. “However, the defining characteristic of a vehicle is evolving. Historically, it was the engine; now, it increasingly appears to be the battery.”