HELENA project: Driving innovation in high energy density Li-metal halide solid-state batteries for electric vehicles and aircrafts

The development of sustainable, high-efficiency and reliable batteries is critical to support climate neutrality goals, particularly in the electromobility sector. The European-funded HELENA project (Halide Solid State Batteries for Electric Vehicles and Aircraft) addresses these challenges by focusing on the manufacturing of next-generation lithium-metal solid-state batteries. The project tackles key hurdles in raw material sourcing, battery production, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. A multidisciplinary partnership brings the innovation from the lab to the industrial scale, covering the whole value chain, including industrial material producers, R&D centres, battery manufacturers, and automotive and aerospace end-users. The cell design features a high-voltage nickel-rich cathode coupled with a high-energy lithium metal anode and a lithium-ion superionic halide solid electrolyte. This configuration enhances energy and power density, thus being suitable for electric vehicles and aircrafts. HELENA aims to reshape the solid-state battery landscape by advancing technology readiness levels through the manufacturing of 10 Ah pre-industrial prototypes. This report highlights mid-way results of the project, discussing the major advancements in battery specifications and safety standards from end-users, processing of materials into battery component, battery modelling and recycling strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.