The chemical company has been granted a license to use Massachusetts-based CAMX Power’s CAM-7 cathode technology, which uses a high-performance compound offering high energy density and power handling capabilities. This will enable BASF to manufacture electric vehicle battery packs which offer more energy storage without increasing the size.

“In BASF testing, the CAM-7 product platform has shown strong performance and is believed to have the potential to further increase energy density of lithium-Ion batteries,” said Kenneth Lane, president of BASF’s Catalysts division. “CAMX has established a strong global IP position and we will be collaborating with CAMX’s experienced technical staff to develop advanced processing techniques to bring these products to the marketplace.”

CAM-7 is said to deliver long life and strong low-temperature performance at a low cost, using development of nickel-based technology which is more common on hybrids than fully electric vehicles.

Dr. Kenan Sahin, founder and CEO of CAMX, said: “We believe that BASF, as the world's largest chemical company, with CAM-7 added to its cathode portfolio, and with its extensive battery material production facilities globally as well as its deep manufacturing and process technology expertise, is in an ideal position to rapidly scale up production to meet the upcoming spike in demand for high energy cathodes, a critical lithium-ion battery component, accounting for as much as a third of the cost.”