Swiss energy storage specialist Leclanché has developed a new line of lithium-ion battery modules for energy-intensive e-transport applications, such as marine, commercial vehicle and railway, and opened a dedicated new production line for their high-volume manufacture in Europe.

The new M3 modules offer increased energy and power density compared to the company’s previous module generation. They feature a higher cycle life of up to 20,000 cycles (LTO) or up to 8,000 cycles (G/NMC). The modules are designed for a wide range of current and voltage outputs (up to 800 A continuous current), and for battery system voltages of up to 1,200 V. 

The modules are designed for a range of transport vehicles requiring high cycle life in both power and energy configurations and addressing commercial vehicles, rail and marine applications. The higher-density G/NMC versions are aimed at transport applications, whereas the LTO version is typically used in applications that require fast opportunity charging, such as certain bus, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) and hybrid hydrogen fuel cell systems used in certain trucks and trains. 

Leclanché has opened its high-volume production line in a new facility close to its current corporate headquarters in Yverdon-Les-Bains, Switzerland. 

The highly automated production line was engineered in partnership with industrial automation and robotics provider Comau. It’s designed to allow Leclanché to produce up to six times its current capacity, reaching an output of more than 60,000 modules per year when in full operation. 

Source: Leclanché