The development of advanced materials and technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for Israel’s energy independence.  Transitioning away from  internal combustion engines (ICE), moving toward battery and fuel cell-based propulsion for ground  transportation, is expected  to solidify our economy, while reducing pollution and damaging effects on human health and Nature’s biodiversity.Four collaborating institutions – BIU, TAU, Technion, and AUC – in the Israel National Research Center for Electrochmecal Propulsio (INREP) combine forces on the development of new materials, new concepts and   new analytical methodologies, as well as functioning prototypes.

The Center promotes cutting-edge research  in the fields of high energy density rechargeable batteries and metal-air batteries, high power density electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) – also known as super-capacitors, and effective fuel cells.  Currently, the most promising avenue for powering EVs is Li-ion batteries, which is becoming an increasingly established power source. Yet, there are considerable challenges related to improving the specific energy density

Currently, the most promising avenue for powering EVs is Li-ion batteries, which is becoming an increasingly established power source. Yet, there are considerable challenges related to improving the specific energy density of  these battery systems, in order to enable prolonged drives between charging. In Li-ion battery research, the Center develops and test novel anode, cathode and electrolyte solutions based on highly systematic studies, supported by first principles computational work. Furthermore,

Furthermore, Li ion batteries can be combined with emerging technologies based on metal-air batteries, EDLCs and fuel cells to form integrated power sources for EVs. Breakthroughs in metal-air batteries and Fuel cells are expected  to emerge from  novel nano-based  methodologies of electro-catalysis, supported by activated porous structures fabricated from  nanotubes, nanowires and  nanosheets of carbonaceous materials. Non-platinum nano-catalysts based on alloys with core-shell structure are being developed to overcome low efficiency and high cost of existing catalysts. The search for new catalysts that can replace noble metals

The search for new catalysts that can replace noble metals include novel combinatorial work based on fast preparation of mixed transition metal oxides by pulse laser deposition, combined with effective and rapid characterization. R&D of both novel fuel cells and metal-air batteries have benefited from these combinatorial efforts.Ongoing breakthroughs in EDLCs utilize new types of composite electrodes comprising nano materials such as carpets of vertically aligned carbon nano-tubes together with highly porous activated carbon matrices.  Research at the Center is also defining the state of the art in

Research at the Center is also defining the state of the art in design of advanced and high resolution analytical tools that supports the R&D efforts. In addition to R&D of devices, the Center promotes work on energy management, recycling and battery waste management. The  Center

The  Center also hosts educational activities and conferences and promotes collaboration between academia and industry. A wide range of relevant companies and start-ups are connected with the Center and benefit from its work. The

The Center benefits from expanded intensive cooperation with leading companies and research institutions from North America, Europe, and East Asia.