Kevin Dahlberg

Dr Kevin Dahlberg joined Xalt Energy (now part of Freudenberg e-Power Systems) in 2014. As VP of cell technology, he guides R&D for Xalt Energy power cell products. He led the research of next-generation materials and technologies including NMC, LTO and LMO-based cell chemistries supporting the launch of 5-cell products from 2015 to 2021 and a USABC grant to develop a LMO/LTO 12V start-stop HEV battery. His team is now developing a Gen 3 high-energy-density power cell for launch in 2026. Dahlberg earned his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan, on heterogeneous catalysis and surface science.

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Presentation

The future of NMC in maritime: power, lifetime and safety

The maritime industry and the EU have rightly prioritized safety, longevity and circularity in electrification solutions, including passive propagation standards defined by class societies and EU Regulation 2023/1542. However, high-volume battery chemistry options following the automotive industry are limited to nickel-rich NMC for energy density and power or LFP for lifetime and safety. Mid-nickel, single-crystal NMC can be engineered to combine all these attributes, particularly thermal stability and lifetime, with high charge rate and power. This is demonstrated in >60Ah production format cells using a novel recycled NMC grade with a low carbon footprint and FEPS’ ongoing cathode R&D.