Hyundai’s venture capital division, Cradle, is investing in Massachusetts-based battery materials developer Ionic Materials.

Ionic says its patented solid polymer material enables solid-state batteries that are inherently safe, high in energy density and operational at room temperature. The special properties of Ionic’s polymer electrolyte also support lithium-ion cells with little to no cobalt in their cathodes.

Here are some key features of the polymer:

• Up to 1.3 mS per cm at room temperature
• 0.7 lithium transference number
• High voltage capability of 5 V
• Cathode can handle high loadings
• High elastic modulus
• Low-cost precursors
• Stable against lithium
• Can conduct multiple ions

“The investment by Hyundai represents another key company milestone and demonstrates our rapid momentum as we develop polymer-based materials for solid-state batteries,” said Ionic founder and CEO Mike Zimmerman. “With the ongoing help of our investment partners, we have expanded our facilities and are adding to our team to meet the ever-growing demand for this technology.”

Source: Hyundai via Green Car Congress