Epsilor has introduced a new military-grade battery system designed to meet the rigorous demands of combat environments. The company’s 6T Li-ion battery system, engineered to the NATO standard, addresses critical issues faced by traditional lithium-ion batteries in harsh conditions.
Military batteries must endure severe environmental challenges, such as extreme temperatures, and provide consistent power for various onboard systems. Standard lithium-ion batteries often fall short in these areas, with insufficient energy density and limited safety across temperature variations. This can impact the operational efficiency of military vehicles, potentially jeopardizing their effectiveness in combat scenarios.
To counter these challenges, Epsilor has developed its high-voltage 6T COMBATT battery system. Capable of stacking up to 1000 V, this new system delivers the high power levels necessary for demanding military applications. The 6T Li-ion batteries are constructed using lithium nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NCA) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries, optimizing them for both performance and durability.
Military vehicles require reliable power sources to support a range of essential systems, including manned and unmanned turrets, missile launchers, RADARs, protection and jamming systems, C3 systems, situational awareness systems, and air conditioning. The energy demand from these systems is substantial, and maintaining power during both active and stationary phases of operation is critical.
The new COMBATT 6T battery line offers a significant advancement over previous models. By connecting individual 6T batteries in series and parallel configurations, Epsilor has created a system that enhances power delivery and capacity. This setup includes a sophisticated high-voltage battery management system for effective monitoring and control.
The COMBATT batteries boast impressive specifications, storing up to 4,400 Wh (25.2 V/175 Ah) of energy—six times more than lead-acid batteries of similar weight and 50% more than other military-grade lithium batteries. They operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 71°C and feature rapid internal heating mechanisms to function effectively in extreme cold. The batteries also support up to 3,000 deep discharge cycles in the LFP configuration and over 1,000 cycles in the NCA configuration.
These batteries have been developed and tested to meet the MIL-PRF-32565C military performance specification and are currently undergoing comprehensive testing at the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Michigan. This testing includes extreme temperature performance, long cycle life evaluation, and bullet penetration trials.
Epsilor showcased the 6T COMBATT batteries at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium in Michigan this August, highlighting their potential to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of military operations.