ZapBatt, a startup based in California, has developed a revolutionary battery technology that could potentially revolutionize the charging process for e-bikes and electric-powered handheld tools. The innovative battery operating system acts as a fast-charging “universal adapter” for electrically powered devices.
The President of ZapBatt, Daniel Glenn, is confident that their technology will not only change the way e-bikes and electric tools are charged, but will also have a significant impact across various sectors of the economy. The company’s Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer, David Felzer, demonstrated the effectiveness of the technology by rapidly increasing the voltage level of a 12-volt battery to 25 volts, enough to power a cordless vacuum cleaner, within seconds.
ZapBatt’s battery operating system uses SCiB Toshiba lithium titanium oxide (LTO) battery cells, enabling different battery chemistries to easily integrate into various consumer products, ranging from electric power tools and appliances to e-bikes and industrial robotics.
In collaboration with Toshiba, ZapBatt and the Japanese electronics giant have announced an expansion of their partnership efforts. Greg Mack, Vice President and General Manager at Toshiba, highlighted the breakthrough brought by their technology, allowing for wider application across different markets.
A key selling point of Toshiba’s SCiB technology is its safety features. Unlike traditional lithium-ion battery chemistries, LTO batteries have zero documented cases of “thermal runaway”, a chemical reaction that can lead to fires in lithium-ion batteries. This safety advantage is particularly crucial in light of the recent incidents of fires linked to overheated e-bikes in New York City.
Furthermore, LTO batteries can operate at temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in different environmental conditions.
ZapBatt’s battery operating system boasts the ability to achieve an 80 percent charge in less than six minutes, while also extending battery lifespan to more than 20,000 cycles, even with fast charging and discharging. This breakthrough has significant implications for a variety of settings, including warehouses and distribution centers that rely on robots and automated systems, among others.
In addition to the advancements in battery technology for e-bikes and appliances, ZapBatt envisions its technology being applied to electric cars, autonomous vehicles, and aircraft, signaling a potential shift towards electric-powered modes of transportation in the future.
The improved battery technology also addresses concerns about thermal runaway at energy storage facilities running on utility-scale batteries. As governments worldwide seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to electrification, McKinsey & Company estimates that the global battery market will grow by 30 percent annually.
In alignment with California’s renewable energy goals, ZapBatt was founded in 2019 by David Felzer and Charles Welch, and the company’s name reflects its emphasis on fast-charging batteries. With its pioneering battery technology, ZapBatt is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the electrification of transportation and a wide array of consumer products.
In conclusion, ZapBatt’s revolutionary battery operating system has the potential to transform the way we charge electric devices, paving the way for safer, faster, and more efficient energy solutions across various industries. As the global shift towards electrification continues, ZapBatt’s innovative technology positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of battery-powered systems.