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Australian battery manufacturer EDEA Energy confirmed it has successfully exported its super6T lithium-ion battery to a US defence client.
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The battery, which can power some 95 per cent of military vehicles, was designed by Energy Renaissance over four years with a multimillion-dollar investment.
Vehicles that can use the battery include main battle tanks and support trucks.
EDEA confirmed that the battery is comprised of a cyber secure battery management system, proprietary thermal management and a range of additional solutions which ensure that the capability delivers power in silent watch operations and rapid cranking in all conditions.
The batteries are built in Tomago, NSW, at the Renaissance One facility, with key components developed by the CSIRO.
The super6T was designed to surpass the Class 1-B90LL 6T and MIL-PRF32565C Amd. 1 standard, which the company explained makes it the highest classification and safest 6T battery.
Being able to power nearly 95 per cent of NATO-aligned military vehicles, the company expects that the recent announcement will mark a pivotal step for them in the military vehicle battery market.
The battery represents a step forward in battery technology, helping to improve vehicle performance, the company explained in a statement.
“Traditionally, 6T batteries have relied on lead-acid chemistry, known for its durability and affordability. However, lead-acid batteries present limitations in energy density, cycle life, and weight,” the statement read.
“As with the super6TTM, transitioning to lithium-ion chemistry offers crucial advantages: higher energy density, faster charging, longer life cycles, and significantly reduced weight. Weight reduction alone can enhance vehicle performance, mobility, and fuel efficiency, particularly for aerial deployment or rapid manoeuvres in combat.”
In May 2023, EDEA signed an exclusive supply agreement with Energy Renaissance valued at $161 million for the manufacture of lithium-ion solutions.
“EDEA can now confidently supply the Australian Defence Force and primes with 100 per cent sovereign Australian energy storage solutions – from cell processing to battery manufacturing. This eliminates foreign security and supply chain risk and removes FX and quality uncertainty,” said Mark Tipping, managing director, EDEA Energy.
“This partnership also means we can design, develop and manufacture sovereign Australian batteries for almost any defence requirement. One cannot underestimate the importance of this agreement for national security.
“It also opens the door for more collaboration beyond the 6T NATO SilentWatch battery,” Tipping said.
