Few people know about a Michigan-based battery manufacturer called Our Next Energy (ONE). But after CES 2022, they definitely will. Prepare yourself to receive a lot of news about this company because its latest battery technology recently powered a 2021 Tesla Model S for 752 miles without having to recharge.
That's 752 real-world miles at an average of 55 mph, and the figure was even verified by an independent third party using a dynamometer. On the dyno, the Tesla achieved 882 miles at 55 mph. The best a Model S can achieve from the factory is just 405 miles.
Not bad for a company that hasn't even been around for two years. The CEO has more than 30 years of EV battery experience, however.
In late December, the real-world test took place in Michigan, possibly the worst possible conditions for an EV. It seems ONE wanted to make a statement with its concept battery.
"We want to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating range anxiety, which holds back most consumers today," said Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder, and CEO of ONE. "We are now focused on evolving this proof-of-concept battery into a new product called Gemini, which will enable long-distance trips on a single charge while improving cost and safety using sustainable materials."
The Gemini Ijaz refers to is a battery pack and not a car. The reason we think ONE will remain in the battery-making business instead of the car-making business is one of its financial backers. ONE's main backers are BMW and Bill Gates' clean technology venture firm.
According to ONE, EVs have a lower adoption rate due to range limitations. "Even the highest range electric vehicles sold today lack the surplus energy required to overcome factors such as high-speed driving, extreme weather, mountainous terrain, or towing trailers in real-world conditions," stated ONE in a press release.
The above can lead to a loss of 35% of the claimed range, which is range anxiety.
"The ONE Gemini battery aims to eliminate range as a barrier to electric vehicle adoption by doubling the available energy on board in the same package space," said Ijaz.
ONE's approach to EV technology is quite refreshing. It mentions the flaws with the current industry approach, which is simply adding more charging stations. But charging stations have unique problems like long lines and not having fast-charging capabilities.
In real-world terms, it means the average EV owner has to stop every 150 miles despite 300-mile range claims. A range of 750 miles is enough to rid the world of the dreaded range anxiety finally.
The current range leader is the Lucid Air Dream Edition, with an EPA-estimated range of 520 miles. It's also a lot more than the Chinese manufacturers are currently doing.
In addition to all of the above, ONE's other aim is to create a sustainable, low-cost, conflict-free supply chain.
One will start to produce its first product, called the Aries, in late 2022. A production prototype Gemini battery will debut in 2023, most likely in a BMW iX.