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{{short description|Swiss battery research and development company}}
{{short description|Swiss battery research and development company}}
{{lowercase|title=nanoFlowcell}}
{{lowercase title|title=nanoFlowcell}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = nanoFlowcell Holdings plc
| name = nanoFlowcell Holdings plc
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'''nanoFlowcell Holdings plc''' is a Swiss [[Flow battery|flow cell]] battery research and development company.
'''nanoFlowcell Holdings plc''' is a Swiss [[Flow battery|flow cell]] battery research and development company.


nanoFlowcell claims to have developed the first flow battery small enough to be used in electric cars. Its battery, also branded nanoFlowcell, was first presented in the Quant E,<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 March 2014|title=World Premiere of the new QUANT e-Sportlimousine|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpOSOdYQLbA|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Quant F<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/quant-f-electric-car-2015-02-11|title=This is a 1075bhp, 186mph electric car|publisher=Top Gear|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> and Quantino prototype vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gtspirit.com/2015/03/05/geneva-2015-nanoflowcell-quantino-electric-sportscar/|title=nanoFlowcell Quantino Electric Sportscar|publisher=Gt spirit|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> Similar to regular [[Flow battery|redox flow batteries]], the nanoFlowcell battery uses [[electrolyte]] fluids to generate electricity from chemical compounds. nanoFlowcell uses, unlike the electrolytes in [[Vanadium redox battery|vanadium flow batteries]] or [[Polysulfide bromide battery|polysulfide bromide flow batteries]], proprietary molecules as charge carriers; the electrolyte used in the nanoFlowcell is non-toxic and environmentally compatible.<ref>{{Cite web|title=» nanoFlowcellPremier Autos Magazine|url=https://premierautosmagazine.com/nanoflowcell/|access-date=2020-12-13|website=premierautosmagazine.com}}</ref> The electrolyte used in the nanoFlowcell battery has an [[energy density]] of 600 Wh per litre, which is ten times the energy density of regular redox flow cells.<ref>{{cite web|title=BI-ION - ENERGY CARRIER FOR THE ELECTRICITY OF TOMORROW|url=http://nanoflowcell.com/what-we-do/innovation-research/bi-ion/|website=nanoflowcell.com|publisher=nanoFlowcell Holdings Ltd|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> nanoFlowcell states that mass production cost for its "non-flammable and non-explosive" electrolyte is below 10 cents per litre.<ref>{{cite web|title=NanoFlowcell Want To Revolutionize The EV Market With The Quant 48Volt|url=http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2017/2/5/NanoFlowcell-Want-To-Revolutionize-The-EV-Market-With-The-Quant-40Volt-7737672/|website=carbuzz.com|date=5 February 2017|publisher=CarBuzz Inc.|access-date=6 March 2017}}</ref>
nanoFlowcell claims to have developed the first flow battery small enough to be used in [[electric car]]s. Its battery, also branded nanoFlowcell, was first presented in the Quant E,<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 March 2014|title=World Premiere of the new QUANT e-Sportlimousine|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpOSOdYQLbA|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Quant F<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/quant-f-electric-car-2015-02-11|title=This is a 1075bhp, 186mph electric car|publisher=Top Gear|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> and Quantino prototype vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gtspirit.com/2015/03/05/geneva-2015-nanoflowcell-quantino-electric-sportscar/|title=nanoFlowcell Quantino Electric Sportscar|publisher=Gt spirit|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> Similar to regular [[Flow battery|redox flow batteries]], the nanoFlowcell battery uses [[electrolyte]] fluids to generate electricity from chemical compounds. nanoFlowcell uses, unlike the electrolytes in [[Vanadium redox battery|vanadium flow batteries]] or [[Polysulfide bromide battery|polysulfide bromide flow batteries]], proprietary molecules as charge carriers; the electrolyte used in the nanoFlowcell is non-toxic and environmentally compatible.<ref>{{Cite web|title=» nanoFlowcellPremier Autos Magazine|url=https://premierautosmagazine.com/nanoflowcell/|access-date=2020-12-13|website=premierautosmagazine.com}}</ref> The electrolyte used in the nanoFlowcell battery has an [[energy density]] of 600 Wh per litre, which is ten times the energy density of regular redox flow cells.<ref>{{cite web|title=BI-ION - ENERGY CARRIER FOR THE ELECTRICITY OF TOMORROW|url=http://nanoflowcell.com/what-we-do/innovation-research/bi-ion/|website=nanoflowcell.com|publisher=nanoFlowcell Holdings Ltd|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> nanoFlowcell states that mass production cost for its "non-flammable and non-explosive" electrolyte is below 10 cents per litre.<ref>{{cite web|title=NanoFlowcell Want To Revolutionize The EV Market With The Quant 48Volt|url=http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2017/2/5/NanoFlowcell-Want-To-Revolutionize-The-EV-Market-With-The-Quant-40Volt-7737672/|website=carbuzz.com|date=5 February 2017|publisher=CarBuzz Inc.|access-date=6 March 2017}}</ref>


The feasibility of nanoFlowcell's flow cell technologies has been questioned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heise.de/-2552386|title=Fantastische Literatur aus Genf: der Quant-Supersportler|date=2015-03-11|author=Clemens Gleich|publisher=[[Heinz Heise|Heise Autos]] |access-date=2015-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ecomento.de/2015/02/19/nanoflowcell-quantino/|title=Nanoflowcell Quantino: Elektrolyt-Stromer für Jedermann?|date=2015-02-19|website=ecomento.de|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.focus.de/auto/elektroauto/nanoflowcell-quantino-5-euro-fuer-100-kilometer-elektroauto-mit-fluessig-akku-vor-dem-marktstart_id_9129442.html|title=4 Euro für 100 Kilometer: Revolutioniert der Flüssig-Akku das Elektroauto?|last=Online|first=FOCUS|website=FOCUS Online|language=de|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref><ref name="topgear">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/quantino/first-drive|title=Review: the nanoFlowcell-powered Quantino prototype|date=2016-10-07|website=Top Gear|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref><ref name=jalopnik/>
The feasibility of nanoFlowcell's flow cell technologies has been questioned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heise.de/-2552386|title=Fantastische Literatur aus Genf: der Quant-Supersportler|date=2015-03-11|author=Clemens Gleich|publisher=[[Heinz Heise|Heise Autos]] |access-date=2015-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ecomento.de/2015/02/19/nanoflowcell-quantino/|title=Nanoflowcell Quantino: Elektrolyt-Stromer für Jedermann?|date=2015-02-19|website=ecomento.de|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.focus.de/auto/elektroauto/nanoflowcell-quantino-5-euro-fuer-100-kilometer-elektroauto-mit-fluessig-akku-vor-dem-marktstart_id_9129442.html|title=4 Euro für 100 Kilometer: Revolutioniert der Flüssig-Akku das Elektroauto?|website=FOCUS Online|language=de|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref><ref name="topgear">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/quantino/first-drive|title=Review: the nanoFlowcell-powered Quantino prototype|date=2016-10-07|website=Top Gear|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref><ref name=jalopnik/>


nanoFlowcell has registered offices in Kilchberg, Switzerland <ref>{{cite web|title=nanoFlowcell IP AG|url=https://www.moneyhouse.ch/de/company/nanoflowcell-ip-ag-2699192911|website=moneyhouse.ch|publisher=Moneyhouse AG|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> and London, United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10021928|title=nanoFlowcell Holdings Ltd|website=Companies House|publisher=Registrar of Companies (England and Wales)|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> The company became a [[public limited company]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=GOV.UK|date=17 Aug 2021|title=NANOFLOWCELL HOLDINGS PLC Company number 10021928|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10021928|url-status=live|website=Companies House}}</ref>
nanoFlowcell has registered offices in Kilchberg, Switzerland <ref>{{cite web|title=nanoFlowcell IP AG|url=https://www.moneyhouse.ch/de/company/nanoflowcell-ip-ag-2699192911|website=moneyhouse.ch|publisher=Moneyhouse AG|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> and London, United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10021928|title=nanoFlowcell Holdings Ltd|website=Companies House|publisher=Registrar of Companies (England and Wales)|access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref> The company became a [[public limited company]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=GOV.UK|date=17 Aug 2021|title=NANOFLOWCELL HOLDINGS PLC Company number 10021928|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10021928|website=Companies House}}</ref>


==QUANT Prototypes==
==QUANT Prototypes==
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[[File:Quantino 48Volt Top Marques 2019 IMG 1028.jpg|thumb|Quantino at the 2019 Top Marques Monaco]]
[[File:Quantino 48Volt Top Marques 2019 IMG 1028.jpg|thumb|Quantino at the 2019 Top Marques Monaco]]


Under the name QUANT (derived from [[quantum mechanics]]), nanoFlowcell Holdings is developing applications for its nanoFlowcell flow cell technology, mainly electric vehicles such as the QUANT E, QUANT FE and Quantino. The Quantino is the latest electric prototype vehicle produced by nanoFlowcell engineers for their battery testing purposes. The road-legal version of the Quantino was first introduced at the [[Geneva Motor Show|Geneva International Motor Show]] in 2016, together with its more powerful sibling QUANT FE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gtspirit.com/2016/03/02/geneva-2016-nanoflowcell-quantino|title=Geneva 2016: Nanoflowcell Quantino|website=gtspirit.com|publisher=GTspirit Limited|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://plugin-magazine.com/driving/quantino-and-quant-fe-as-near-production-models/|title=Quantino and Quant FE as near-production models|website=plugin-magazine.com|date=2 March 2016|publisher=AM Ljubljana|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref>
Under the name QUANT (derived from [[quantum mechanics]]), nanoFlowcell Holdings developed applications for its nanoFlowcell flow cell technology, mainly electric vehicles such as the QUANT E, QUANT FE and Quantino. The Quantino is the latest electric prototype vehicle produced by nanoFlowcell engineers for their battery testing purposes. The road-legal version of the Quantino was first introduced at the [[Geneva Motor Show|Geneva International Motor Show]] in 2016, together with its more powerful sibling QUANT FE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gtspirit.com/2016/03/02/geneva-2016-nanoflowcell-quantino|title=Geneva 2016: Nanoflowcell Quantino|website=gtspirit.com|date=2 March 2016 |publisher=GTspirit Limited|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://plugin-magazine.com/driving/quantino-and-quant-fe-as-near-production-models/|title=Quantino and Quant FE as near-production models|website=plugin-magazine.com|date=2 March 2016|publisher=AM Ljubljana|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> The QUANT name and design itself was previously used in the [[Koenigsegg]] Quant solar electric concept car, in which La Vecchia's previous venture, NLV Solar, was involved.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-nlv-quant-by-koenigsegg/ |title= Geneva 2009: NLV Quant by Koenigsegg| first =Sam | last = Abuelsamid |work= Autoblog|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref><ref name=jalopnik/>


The Quantino and QUANT FE prototype vehicles have been used for technology presentations towards the automobile industry in 2016 to further demonstrate the use and advantages of flow cell technology in electric cars. Several journalists who drove Quantino and QUANT FE in public testings confirmed functionality of the nanoFlowcell's flow cell technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revolutionary Flowcell EV could make production|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/revolutionary-flowcell-ev-could-make-production|website=autocar.co.uk|publisher=Haymarket Media Group|access-date=18 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="topgear" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Emissionsfreie Reichweite zum Nachtanken|url=http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fahrberichte/nanoflowcell-quantino-fe-im-fahrbericht-elektroauto-nachtanken-11566204.html|website=auto-motor-und-sport.de|date=7 October 2016|publisher=auto motor und sport|access-date=7 October 2016}}</ref>
The Quantino and QUANT FE prototype vehicles have been used for technology presentations towards the automobile industry in 2016 to further demonstrate the use and advantages of flow cell technology in electric cars. Several journalists who drove Quantino and QUANT FE in public testings confirmed functionality of the nanoFlowcell's flow cell technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revolutionary Flowcell EV could make production|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/revolutionary-flowcell-ev-could-make-production|website=autocar.co.uk|publisher=Haymarket Media Group|access-date=18 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="topgear" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Emissionsfreie Reichweite zum Nachtanken|url=http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fahrberichte/nanoflowcell-quantino-fe-im-fahrbericht-elektroauto-nachtanken-11566204.html|website=auto-motor-und-sport.de|date=7 October 2016|publisher=auto motor und sport|access-date=7 October 2016}}</ref>
The Quantino allegedly has been using 12 kWh per 100&nbsp;km in a mixed test.<ref>{{cite news|title=1,167-Kilometre test drive in the Quantino|language=en|url=http://emagazine.nanoflowcell.com/technology/1167-kilometre-test-drive-in-the-quantino/|access-date=31 October 2016}}</ref>
nanoFlowcell claimed that the Quantino consumed 12 kWh per 100&nbsp;km in a mixed test.<ref>{{cite news|title=1,167-Kilometre test drive in the Quantino|language=en|url=http://emagazine.nanoflowcell.com/technology/1167-kilometre-test-drive-in-the-quantino/|access-date=31 October 2016|archive-date=1 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101042037/http://emagazine.nanoflowcell.com/technology/1167-kilometre-test-drive-in-the-quantino/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==bi-ION Electrolyte==
==bi-ION Electrolyte==
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== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==
European R&D institutes cast doubts over nanoFlowcell's technological progress with flow cells, while in the United States several R&D institutes announced their breakthrough with similar flow cell designs for electric vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|title=Instantly rechargeable' battery could change the future of electric and hybrid automobiles|language=en|work=Purdue University Research Park News|url=https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2017/Q2/instantly-rechargeable-battery-could-change-the-future-of-electric-and-hybrid-automobiles.html|access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nanoelectrofuel Flow Battery for Electric Vehicles|url=https://arpa-e.energy.gov/technologies/projects/nanoelectrofuel-flow-battery-electric-vehicles|access-date=21 August 2013|website=Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy}}</ref> Regarding the propulsion Top Gear concluded: "But while American universities say they find nanoFlowcell’s technology plausible, European institutions have poo-pooed it."<ref name="topgear" />
European R&D institutes cast doubts over nanoFlowcell's technological progress with flow cells, while in the United States several R&D institutes announced their breakthrough with similar flow cell designs for electric vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|title=Instantly rechargeable' battery could change the future of electric and hybrid automobiles|language=en|work=Purdue University Research Park News|url=https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2017/Q2/instantly-rechargeable-battery-could-change-the-future-of-electric-and-hybrid-automobiles.html|access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nanoelectrofuel Flow Battery for Electric Vehicles|url=https://arpa-e.energy.gov/technologies/projects/nanoelectrofuel-flow-battery-electric-vehicles|access-date=21 August 2013|website=Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy}}</ref> In a report, Top Gear stated that while American universities find nanoFlowcell's technology plausible, there are European institutions that are not convinced.<ref name="topgear" />


The Quant 48Volt delivers 560&nbsp;kW at 48 V, with 140&nbsp;kW going to each motor.<ref>{{cite news|title=nanoFlowcell's newest concept takes electric mobility to a safer and more efficient level?|language=en|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/others/2018-quant-48volt-ar175785.html|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref> This means the current going to each motor is equal to 2917 Amps which would heat up the cables dramatically. Porsche, by comparison, saved 66 pounds on the [[Porsche Taycan|Taycan]] by going from 400 V to 800 V and is able to keep the motors cooler by going to higher voltages with greatly reduced currents.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 September 2018|title=Porsche Taycan's 800-Volt Architecture Enables Slimmer Wiring, Faster Charging, Less Heat|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28903284/porsche-taycan-ev-800-volt-charging-performance/|website=[[Car and Driver]]}}</ref>
The Quant 48Volt delivers 560&nbsp;kW at 48 V, with 140&nbsp;kW going to each motor.<ref>{{cite news|title=nanoFlowcell's newest concept takes electric mobility to a safer and more efficient level?|language=en|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/others/2018-quant-48volt-ar175785.html|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref> This means the current going to each motor is equal to 2917 Amps which would heat up the cables dramatically. Porsche, by comparison, saved 66 pounds on the [[Porsche Taycan|Taycan]] by going from 400 V to 800 V and is able to keep the motors cooler by going to higher voltages with greatly reduced currents.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 September 2018|title=Porsche Taycan's 800-Volt Architecture Enables Slimmer Wiring, Faster Charging, Less Heat|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28903284/porsche-taycan-ev-800-volt-charging-performance/|website=[[Car and Driver]]}}</ref>


The founder, who does not have any formal education in engineering or similar background and has bought a PhD title, has previously been accused with defrauding an older lady by having her invest in non-existing solar panel technology.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 September 2018|title=The wrong physicist and his solar wonder car|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.blick.ch/schweiz/zentralschweiz/nunzio-l-47-erschlich-sich-44-mio-von-goldkuesten-grosi-der-falsche-physiker-und-sein-solar-wunderauto-id2477217.html|website=[[Blick.ch]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2016|title=The dream manufacturer|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Frp.liu233w.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.beobachter.ch%2Fkonsum%2Fkauf-leasing%2Fautosalon-der-traumfabrikant|website=[[Beobachter (magazine)|Beobachter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2 August 2008|title=The miraculous solar researcher from Zurich|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&u=http://web.archive.org/web/20090806170307/http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/wirtschaft/unternehmen-und-konjunktur/Der-wundersame-Solarforscher-aus-Zuerich/story/11885066|website=[[Tages-Anzeiger]]}}</ref> According to a [[Jalopnik]] article, Dr. Stephen Granade points out that, at the time of writing, the energy density of the flow batteries would be 5 times that of Tesla's batteries with technology where the energy density is typically far lower.<ref name=jalopnik>{{Cite web|date=22 September 2014|title=The Supercar That Runs Using 'Saltwater' Is Likely Bullshit|url=https://jalopnik.com/the-supercar-that-runs-using-saltwater-is-likely-bullsh-1637600538|website=[[Jalopnik]]}}</ref>
According to a [[Jalopnik]] article, Dr. Stephen Granade points out that, at the time of writing, the energy density of the flow batteries would be 5 times that of Tesla's batteries with technology where the energy density is typically far lower.<ref name=jalopnik>{{Cite web|date=22 September 2014|title=The Supercar That Runs Using 'Saltwater' Is Likely Bullshit|url=https://jalopnik.com/the-supercar-that-runs-using-saltwater-is-likely-bullsh-1637600538|website=[[Jalopnik]]}}</ref>

In another controversy, the founder has previously been accused with defrauding an older lady by having her invest in non-existing solar panel technology, although he was acquitted.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 September 2018|title=The wrong physicist and his solar wonder car|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.blick.ch/schweiz/zentralschweiz/nunzio-l-47-erschlich-sich-44-mio-von-goldkuesten-grosi-der-falsche-physiker-und-sein-solar-wunderauto-id2477217.html|website=[[Blick.ch]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2016|title=The dream manufacturer|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Frp.liu233w.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.beobachter.ch%2Fkonsum%2Fkauf-leasing%2Fautosalon-der-traumfabrikant|website=[[Beobachter (magazine)|Beobachter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2 August 2008|title=The miraculous solar researcher from Zurich|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&u=http://web.archive.org/web/20090806170307/http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/wirtschaft/unternehmen-und-konjunktur/Der-wundersame-Solarforscher-aus-Zuerich/story/11885066|website=[[Tages-Anzeiger]]}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 01:41, 8 December 2024

nanoFlowcell Holdings plc
Company typePrivate
Industry
Founded1996[1]
FounderNunzio La Vecchia
Headquarters
Kilchberg
,
Switzerland
Key people
  • Nunzio La Vecchia (CEO)
  • Hektor Bertschi (COO)
Products
ServicesResearch and development
ParentnanoFlowcell Holdings plc
SubsidiariesnanoFlowcell Management AG
Websitenanoflowcell.com

nanoFlowcell Holdings plc is a Swiss flow cell battery research and development company.

nanoFlowcell claims to have developed the first flow battery small enough to be used in electric cars. Its battery, also branded nanoFlowcell, was first presented in the Quant E,[2] Quant F[3] and Quantino prototype vehicles.[4] Similar to regular redox flow batteries, the nanoFlowcell battery uses electrolyte fluids to generate electricity from chemical compounds. nanoFlowcell uses, unlike the electrolytes in vanadium flow batteries or polysulfide bromide flow batteries, proprietary molecules as charge carriers; the electrolyte used in the nanoFlowcell is non-toxic and environmentally compatible.[5] The electrolyte used in the nanoFlowcell battery has an energy density of 600 Wh per litre, which is ten times the energy density of regular redox flow cells.[6] nanoFlowcell states that mass production cost for its "non-flammable and non-explosive" electrolyte is below 10 cents per litre.[7]

The feasibility of nanoFlowcell's flow cell technologies has been questioned.[8][9][10][11][12]

nanoFlowcell has registered offices in Kilchberg, Switzerland [13] and London, United Kingdom.[14] The company became a public limited company in 2021.[15]

QUANT Prototypes

[edit]
QUANT FE premiere at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show
Quantino at the 2019 Top Marques Monaco

Under the name QUANT (derived from quantum mechanics), nanoFlowcell Holdings developed applications for its nanoFlowcell flow cell technology, mainly electric vehicles such as the QUANT E, QUANT FE and Quantino. The Quantino is the latest electric prototype vehicle produced by nanoFlowcell engineers for their battery testing purposes. The road-legal version of the Quantino was first introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2016, together with its more powerful sibling QUANT FE.[16][17] The QUANT name and design itself was previously used in the Koenigsegg Quant solar electric concept car, in which La Vecchia's previous venture, NLV Solar, was involved.[18][12]

The Quantino and QUANT FE prototype vehicles have been used for technology presentations towards the automobile industry in 2016 to further demonstrate the use and advantages of flow cell technology in electric cars. Several journalists who drove Quantino and QUANT FE in public testings confirmed functionality of the nanoFlowcell's flow cell technology.[19][11][20] nanoFlowcell claimed that the Quantino consumed 12 kWh per 100 km in a mixed test.[21]

bi-ION Electrolyte

[edit]

Similar to regular modern redox flow cells, nanoFlowcell produces electricity from liquids. nanoFlowcell insists that the electrolyte solution is not common salt water as commonly stated in several internet forums and automotive press, claiming that the electrolyte solution they named bi-ION consist of a conductive liquid - organic and inorganic salts dissolved in water - and the electrolytes themselves, nano-structured molecules which are specific molecules designed by the company. While dissolved redox salts are responsible for the energy transfer in conventional redox flow batteries, the bi-ION electrolyte is stated to be an energy storage medium whose suspended nano-particles would have allowed a considerably higher energy density than regular redox electrolyte liquids.[22]

Controversy

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European R&D institutes cast doubts over nanoFlowcell's technological progress with flow cells, while in the United States several R&D institutes announced their breakthrough with similar flow cell designs for electric vehicles.[23][24] In a report, Top Gear stated that while American universities find nanoFlowcell's technology plausible, there are European institutions that are not convinced.[11]

The Quant 48Volt delivers 560 kW at 48 V, with 140 kW going to each motor.[25] This means the current going to each motor is equal to 2917 Amps which would heat up the cables dramatically. Porsche, by comparison, saved 66 pounds on the Taycan by going from 400 V to 800 V and is able to keep the motors cooler by going to higher voltages with greatly reduced currents.[26]

According to a Jalopnik article, Dr. Stephen Granade points out that, at the time of writing, the energy density of the flow batteries would be 5 times that of Tesla's batteries with technology where the energy density is typically far lower.[12]

In another controversy, the founder has previously been accused with defrauding an older lady by having her invest in non-existing solar panel technology, although he was acquitted.[27][28][29]

See also

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References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to NanoFLOWCELL Quant e-Sportlimousine.
  1. ^ Sincan, Alexandru (2021-03-07). "Mindblowing Approach to Electromobility: Is nanoFlowcell Overtaking the Future?". autoevolution. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
  2. ^ "World Premiere of the new QUANT e-Sportlimousine". www.youtube.com. 5 March 2014.
  3. ^ "This is a 1075bhp, 186mph electric car". Top Gear. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  4. ^ "nanoFlowcell Quantino Electric Sportscar". Gt spirit. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  5. ^ "» nanoFlowcellPremier Autos Magazine". premierautosmagazine.com. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  6. ^ "BI-ION - ENERGY CARRIER FOR THE ELECTRICITY OF TOMORROW". nanoflowcell.com. nanoFlowcell Holdings Ltd. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  7. ^ "NanoFlowcell Want To Revolutionize The EV Market With The Quant 48Volt". carbuzz.com. CarBuzz Inc. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  8. ^ Clemens Gleich (2015-03-11). "Fantastische Literatur aus Genf: der Quant-Supersportler". Heise Autos. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  9. ^ "Nanoflowcell Quantino: Elektrolyt-Stromer für Jedermann?". ecomento.de (in German). 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  10. ^ "4 Euro für 100 Kilometer: Revolutioniert der Flüssig-Akku das Elektroauto?". FOCUS Online (in German). Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  11. ^ a b c "Review: the nanoFlowcell-powered Quantino prototype". Top Gear. 2016-10-07. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  12. ^ a b c "The Supercar That Runs Using 'Saltwater' Is Likely Bullshit". Jalopnik. 22 September 2014.
  13. ^ "nanoFlowcell IP AG". moneyhouse.ch. Moneyhouse AG. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  14. ^ "nanoFlowcell Holdings Ltd". Companies House. Registrar of Companies (England and Wales). Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  15. ^ GOV.UK (17 Aug 2021). "NANOFLOWCELL HOLDINGS PLC Company number 10021928". Companies House.
  16. ^ "Geneva 2016: Nanoflowcell Quantino". gtspirit.com. GTspirit Limited. 2 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  17. ^ "Quantino and Quant FE as near-production models". plugin-magazine.com. AM Ljubljana. 2 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  18. ^ Abuelsamid, Sam. "Geneva 2009: NLV Quant by Koenigsegg". Autoblog. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Revolutionary Flowcell EV could make production". autocar.co.uk. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  20. ^ "Emissionsfreie Reichweite zum Nachtanken". auto-motor-und-sport.de. auto motor und sport. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  21. ^ "1,167-Kilometre test drive in the Quantino". Archived from the original on 1 November 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  22. ^ Els, Peter (2021-09-01). "This 48-Volt Quant Gets 600 Miles On A Tank Of "Salt Water"". HotCars. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
  23. ^ "Instantly rechargeable' battery could change the future of electric and hybrid automobiles". Purdue University Research Park News. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  24. ^ "Nanoelectrofuel Flow Battery for Electric Vehicles". Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  25. ^ "nanoFlowcell's newest concept takes electric mobility to a safer and more efficient level?". Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  26. ^ "Porsche Taycan's 800-Volt Architecture Enables Slimmer Wiring, Faster Charging, Less Heat". Car and Driver. 6 September 2018.
  27. ^ "The wrong physicist and his solar wonder car". Blick.ch. 30 September 2018.
  28. ^ "The dream manufacturer". Beobachter. 3 January 2016.
  29. ^ "The miraculous solar researcher from Zurich". Tages-Anzeiger. 2 August 2008.
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