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 revolutionise 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, owns 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.”

OUTPERFORMING TRADITIONAL GRAPHITE BY 40% IN CAPACITY AFTER 50 CHARGE-DISCHARGE CYCLES

The latest test results showcase their GEN3 silicon-based anode material outperforming traditional graphite by 40% in capacity after 50 charge-discharge cycles.

Key Milestones and Market Impact

• Superior Performance: Outperformed previous GEN1 and GEN2 materials by 25% and 15%, respectively.
• Consistency and Durability: Notably, GEN3 batteries demonstrated minimal degradation, retaining nearly 100% of their capacity after 50 cycles, matching the performance stability of graphite-based batteries.
• Future Outlook: With the GEN3 material already showing exceptional results, NOVACIUM’s COO, Dr. Jed Kraiem, is optimistic about the potential for GEN4 batteries to exceed the 4,400 mAh threshold, further enhancing battery performance.

PATHWAY TO COMMERCIALIZATION 

The conversation highlights a critical point: HPQ Silicon’s strategic positioning is designed to leverage their technological advancements and attract significant partners. The company’s structure, including its investment in Novacium, aims to enhance its market position and ensure that it can scale effectively.

Tourillon emphasises that while full details on future plans and ownership transitions are not disclosed, HPQ Silicon is in a strong position to capitalise on its innovations. The company’s strategic manoeuvres, including potential future acquisitions or increased stakes, will be guided by ongoing discussions and market developments.

LOOKING FORWARD

As HPQ Silicon continues to advance its battery technology, the company remains focused on its goal of pushing the boundaries of performance and scalability. The excitement surrounding their innovations and the positive industry response suggest a bright future for HPQ Silicon as it navigates the evolving market landscape.

With growing industry interest, strategic investments, and ongoing advancements, the company is well-positioned to achieve its goal of delivering the world’s best performing silicon anode materials.

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 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.

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE AND STRATEGIC VISION

Cycle Performance: Bernard shared impressive results from their spread analysis, with the silicon material maintaining over 3,200 mAh after 150 cycles. This performance reflects a 33% improvement in R&D advanced material. Despite the results being visually understated, the data confirms substantial progress.
Future Goals: HPQ is setting its sights on achieving a world record with Gen. 3 technology, targeting an average of over 4,000 mAh.
Bernard hints at ongoing developments but remains cautious about revealing specific details due to competitive considerations.

KEY INNOVATIONS AND MARKET POTENTIAL

Silicon vs. Graphite: Silicon-based anodes are emerging as game-changers, boasting 10x the energy density of their graphite counterparts. Despite their potential, silicon anodes have struggled with degradation issues during battery cycles. HPQ’s latest advancements aim to overcome these challenges, setting the stage for significant industry disruption.
Canadian Government Upgrade: Recently, The Canadian Minister of Natural Resources emphasized the significance of critical minerals as the building blocks for the green and digital economy. There is no energy transition without critical minerals: no batteries, no electric cars, no wind turbines, and no solar panels. Bernard emphasizes that this material not only outperforms current options but also offers superior longevity, crucial for the next generation of EV batteries. “Our material’s ability to withstand more cycles before degradation is a major breakthrough,” Bernard states.

INDUSTRY SHIFTS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Silicon Battery Advancements: The shift from graphite to silicon-based materials is driven by improved performance and reduced carbon footprint. HPQ’s lead in generating carbon credits and the potential to repatriate manufacturing from Asia underscores the strategic importance of their technology.
Fumed Silica Project: While the fumed silica project progresses, detailed updates are anticipated to coincide with developments in Gen 3. The ongoing commercial discussions and the involvement of prominent companies are expected to positively impact HPQ.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Silicon in EV Batteries

HPQ’s advancements in silicon-based anode materials represent a significant leap forward in battery technology, offering both high performance and longevity. As the company navigates critical milestones and strategic partnerships, its innovative approach could redefine industry standards and capture a substantial market share. Industry watchers should stay tuned for further updates and the next phases of HPQ’s ambitious projects.

For a deeper understanding of these exciting developments and their implications for the future of EV batteries, watch the full video interview with Bernard Tourillon President, and CEO of HPQ Silicon.

Following HPQ Silicon’s stock halting announcement today, CEO Bernard Tourillon goes Beyond The Press Release with George Tsiolis of AGORACOM to discuss the implications of the Company’s LOI with Evonik, the global powerhouse specialty chemicals company that actually invented Fumed Silica

WHO IS EVONIK?

Evonik Industries AG is a publicly-listed German specialty chemicals company. It is the second-largest chemicals company in Germany, and one of the largest specialty chemicals companies in the world

REVENUES: 12.2 Billion EUR
MARKET CAP: 8.97 Billion EUR ($13.2 Billion Canadian)
EMPLOYEES: 34,000
Evonik as a leading producer of fumed silica and metal oxides continues to focus on next generation technologies that hold promise for improved sustainability and enhanced product performance that drive industry and societal transformation.

Sit back and enjoy this powerful interview with HPQ Silicon CEO, Bernard Tourillon

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.

UNVEILING SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE WITH 30% IMPROVEMENT OVER GRAPHITE

The company unveiled initial results of their Gen 2 advanced silicon-based anode material, showcasing a staggering 30% improvement over conventional graphite anodes. Notably, this leap forward comes with no significant degradation in the first cycle, placing them squarely in competition with established players in the field.

EXPANDING HORIZONS: DIVERSE BATTERY MARKETS AND AI IMPACT

Delving deeper, the company highlighted the diverse markets for batteries, emphasizing the burgeoning demand for energy storage driven by the proliferation of AI systems and the looming shortage of electricity.

ELEVATING THE STANDARD: WORLD RECORD IN SIGHT “VERY SOON”

Detailing their company’s cutting-edge process, CEO Bernard Tourillon outlined the journey from raw materials to higher-value materials that sets them far apart from competitors. Their ambitious goal to surpass the world record with their Gen 3 batteries “very soon” underscores their confidence in their technical prowess.

CHARGING AHEAD: ADVANCING BATTERY MANUFACTURING BUSINESS PLAN

With their sights set on partnering with the world’s biggest battery manufacturers, the company discussed their progress in producing materials that rival or exceed those sourced from Chinese or domestic competitors. They are poised to demonstrate this to potential investors and partners, buoyed by optimism and significant technological strides.

SOLVING THE RANGE ANXIETY PROBLEM – A SEAMLESS ADDITION FOR BATTERY MANUFACTURERS

Navigating the dynamic EV market, CEO Tourillon addressed concerns about range anxiety that are slowing down EV sales, while increasing demand for HPQ’s advanced silicon materials due to their greater battery capacity. Specifically, how “the Company’s blend of graphite and advanced engineered silicon anode material can be utilized worldwide without modification by battery manufacturers, significantly enhancing battery performance.”

DRIVING FORWARD

In conclusion, this interview offered a compelling glimpse into the future of electric vehicles, propelled by the advent of silicon-based anodes. With ambitious goals, strategic partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, the company is poised to lead the charge into the Silicon Age of batteries, shaping the future of sustainable transportation.