AGORACOM Small-cap Investor Relations Blog

In electric vehicle (EV) batteries, the anode serves as a critical component, acting as a storage vessel for lithium ions that are then released when the battery powers the car. Major players like Porsche, Mercedes, and GM are embracing this technology, recognizing its potential to revolutionize EV performance.

However, while silicon-based anode materials hold great promise for batteries, they are known to suffer from significant degradation during charging and discharging cycles. Solving this problem could open up a market for silicon anode materials that could reach $130B by 2033.

ENTER HPQ SILICON INC. (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) 

HPQ Silicon is positioning itself to become a key supplier of Silicon materials in battery anodes, which aligns with the US and Canadian government initiatives to establish domestic battery manufacturing ecosystems in an effort to reduce reliance on China.

Novacium, HPQ’s France-based affiliate, has acquired patents enhancing anode material performance, particularly in silicon-based Lithium ion batteries.

With the pressing demand for domestic battery material suppliers, HPQ Silicon’s advancements in silicon-based anode material position it as a crucial player in meeting the evolving needs of the electric vehicle industry while addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.

1 OF ONLY 3 COMPANIES IN THE WORLD TO SURPASS 4,000 mAh

The Company’s GEN3 batteries have reached an impressive average capacity of 4,030 mAh, nearing the current world record of 4,095 mAh. Dr. Jed Kraiem, COO of Novacium, remarked, “As we anticipated, our GEN3 materials have exceeded the 4,000 mAh mark, making us one of just three companies worldwide to achieve such results. We are optimistic about further advancements, with GEN4 materials potentially pushing capacities beyond 4,300 mAh.”

A 45% IMPROVEMENT OVER GRAPHITE BATTERIES

The new GEN3 silicon-based anode material demonstrates a remarkable 45% improvement over traditional 100% graphite batteries.  These advancements are illustrated in this performance graph, which highlights the results versus 2,780 mAh with standard graphite batteries to the current 4,030 mAh with HPQ’s GEN3 material.

INDUSTRY IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

The integration of Novacium’s advanced anode materials represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, potentially accelerating the adoption of high-performance batteries across various industries.

Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and Novacium SAS, emphasized, “Our ability to produce full-size 18650 batteries with enhanced performance not only showcases our technological prowess but also facilitates smoother transitions for manufacturers, reducing costs and accelerating market deployment.”

PATH TO COMMERCIALIZATION AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

While immediate commercialization may not be on the horizon, the company is exploring strategic partnerships to expedite production. Bernard noted ongoing discussions with companies interested in large-scale industrial applications and emphasized the broader potential of their technology. This includes the ability to produce silicon metal, synthetic green fuel, and advanced battery components. The company’s progress, including a letter of intent (LOI) with a major battery firm, highlights their commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving commercial success.

Conclusion: A New Era in Battery Innovation

HPQ’s achievement is more than just a technical milestone; it marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of battery technology. By surpassing the 4,000 mAh barrier and paving the way for even higher capacities with future materials,  HPQ Silicon is setting new standards in energy density and performance.

Following the Company’s 2024 AGM today, CEO Bernard Tourillon goes Beyond The AGM with George Tsiolis of AGORACOM to present the Company’s latest Power Point Presentation.

In electric vehicle (EV) batteries, the anode serves as a critical component, acting as a storage vessel for lithium ions that are then released when the battery is being used to power the car.

Graphite anodes, the current market dominators, have reached their peak energy density. This limitation is prompting a shift toward Silicon-based anodes, which offer up to 10 times the energy density.

Major players like Porsche, Mercedes, and GM are embracing this technology, recognizing its potential to revolutionize EV performance.

But while silicon-based anode materials hold great promise for batteries, they are known to suffer from significant degradation during charging and discharging cycles. Solving this problem will open up a market for silicon anode materials that could reach $130B by 2033.

ENTER HPQ SILICON INC. (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF)

HPQ Silicon is positioning itself to become a key supplier of Silicon materials in battery anodes, which aligns with the US and Canadian government initiatives to establish domestic battery manufacturing ecosystems in an effort to reduce reliance on China.

Novacium, HPQ’s France-based affiliate, has acquired patents enhancing anode material performance, particularly in silicon-based Li-ion batteries. With the pressing demand for domestic battery material suppliers, HPQ Silicon’s advancements in silicon-based anode material position it as a crucial player in meeting the evolving needs of the electric vehicle industry while addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.

OVERALL CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT OF ~30% VS. GRAPHITE BENCHMARK

HPQ announced remarkable results from the initial 50-cycle tests of GEN2 material. These tests demonstrated a 30% improvement in capacity compared to graphite benchmarks and a 14% enhancement over their GEN1 materials, positioning the company at the forefront of the battery innovation race.

MINIMAL DEGRADATION

The GEN2 material displayed minimal cycle degradation, with only about a 1% increase over 50 cycles, indicating robust durability.

STRATEGIC VISION

The results underscore HPQ’s strategic vision to become a leading manufacturer of advanced silicon-based anode materials in North America and Europe.

TRANSFORMING BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

The tests, conducted on 18650 industrial batteries, revealed the following:

• Capacity Comparison: Batteries with 100% graphite showed an average capacity of 2,775 mAh, while those with GEN1 and GEN2 materials exhibited 3,174 mAh and 3,379 mAh respectively.
• Durability Insights: Over the 50 cycles, GEN2 materials not only maintained superior capacity but also demonstrated negligible degradation, ensuring longer battery life.

Dr. Jed Kraiem, COO of Novacium, emphasized the practical implications of these results, stating,

“These results continue to showcase our ability to produce a blend of graphite and advanced silicon anode material that can be seamlessly integrated into existing anode manufacturing facilities, improving overall battery performance.”

Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc., noted,

“These achievements open new doors for HPQ as we strive to become a manufacturer of next-gen engineered silicon-based anode materials in jurisdictions that support these types of initiatives.”

As HPQ Silicon Inc. and Novacium continue to push the boundaries of battery technology, their GEN2 anode materials mark a critical step forward. This breakthrough not only highlights HPQ’s innovative capabilities but also underscores its potential for significant market impact.

HPQ Silicon has announced a significant partnership through a MOU with Impact Funding Europe (IFE), aiming to enhance their green technology projects. This collaboration seeks to leverage HPQ’s innovative silicon and silica-based technologies alongside IFE’s expertise in securing European Union funding, focusing on advancing sustainable industrial practices towards achieving global net-zero emissions.

Key Components of the HPQ-IFE Collaboration:

Focused Funding Initiatives: The partnership aims to utilize EU programs that may cover substantial project costs, prioritizing New Battery Technology and Green Hydrogen. This financial support is crucial for HPQ Silicon as it develops technologies like the PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactors and silicon-based anode materials for batteries.

Expertise and Track Record:

IFE’s success in international grant writing enhances HPQ’s capabilities to secure funding. The MOU plans to incorporate HPQ’s technologies into major EU-funded initiatives, tapping into the extensive funding available for the Green Deal and Industry Transformation, which exceeds 100 Billion EUR annually.

Anticipated Outcomes and Strategic Impact:

Advancing Technological Development: The collaboration is expected to expedite HPQ’s projects, particularly in creating low-cost, zero-emission silicon production and advanced materials for batteries. It also aims to explore the role of silicon in sustainable hydrogen production, furthering energy innovations.

Expanding Market Reach:

Aligning with IFE allows HPQ to access broader European funding opportunities, enhancing its position as a leader in sustainable technology. This alliance aims to boost HPQ’s operational capabilities and market presence in the green technology field.

Leadership Perspective:

“We are excited to collaborate with Impact Funding Europe to unlock opportunities for securing EU funding in the fields of Green Hydrogen and New Battery Technology,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon. “This partnership highlights our commitment to innovation and a sustainable future.”

The MOU between HPQ Silicon and IFE signifies a pivotal step for HPQ in the global sustainability arena. It positions the company to significantly influence the development of green technologies, aligning with global efforts towards environmental sustainability. This collaboration promises to drive technological advancements and market expansion, positioning HPQ Silicon as a key player in the green technology sector and a compelling investment in the small-cap market.