KVI's NLV charging tech takes LFP cell from 10% to 70% in 3.7 minutes

Singapore-based KVI says its Non-Linear Voltammetry (NLV) charging technology has charged a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell from 10% to 70% in 3.7 minutes, and from 0% to 100% in seven minutes.

The 3.7-minute result came from a single, commercially sourced LFP cell. According to the company’s measurements, the cell temperature remained below 50° C throughout the test.

Unlike conventional charging methods, which primarily regulate the electrical current delivered to a battery, NLV uses a proprietary, stepwise voltage-controlled approach. Instead of imposing a predetermined charging current, the method allows the current to respond to the battery’s changing electrochemical characteristics.

NLV is designed for use with different lithium-ion battery chemistries, capacities and formats, in applications that could range from mobile phones and power tools to EVs. It also incorporates patented diagnostics designed to monitor battery health and detect early signs of internal short circuits. KVI says its research has demonstrated the technology’s potential to extend battery lifespan.

Electro Mobility Holding Singapore is preparing to commercialize the technology through the development of NLV-controlled charging systems; EVs are a priority market. Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive signed a memorandum of understanding with KVI on October 28 to explore applying the charging technology to electric aircraft.

“The challenge is not simply to push more electricity into a battery in less time,” said KVI founder Rachid Yazami. “It is to understand how the battery responds during charging and use that information to deliver energy more effectively. For drivers, the goal is to spend less time waiting for a battery to charge. But faster charging is only part of what we are trying to achieve. We also want batteries to be managed more intelligently throughout their working lives.”

Source: KVI