Vanadium from Australia to power ultra-fast-charging batteries in the US. New LVO cells for heavy industry and the military

Australian Vanadium Ltd. has signed a preliminary agreement with US battery technology developer Tyfast Energy. The partnership aims to evaluate Australian vanadium oxide for use in innovative lithium vanadium oxide (LVO) anodes. The new technology is intended for ultra-fast-charging lithium-ion batteries designed for mining, heavy-duty transport, construction, and defense applications.

80% charge in less than 6 minutes

The LVO cell technology being developed by Tyfast combines fast charging, long cycle life, high energy density, and resistance to extreme temperatures. Laboratory tests conducted so far on pouch cells have yielded promising results:

• Charging to over 80% capacity takes less than 6 minutes at room temperature and under 11 minutes in freezing conditions of -20°C.
• Energy density reaches an impressive 200–250 Wh/kg.
• Smaller test cells have demonstrated a lifespan exceeding 10,000 cycles and stable operation across a temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.

These performance characteristics are beyond the capabilities of conventional lithium-ion cells. This makes LVO technology particularly well suited for demanding operating environments where charging downtime can result in substantial financial losses.

Diversifying the vanadium market and securing supply chains

For Australian company AVL, the partnership with Tyfast is part of a broader strategy. The company plans to supply vanadium not only for large-scale flow batteries but also for advanced lithium-ion battery chemistries. The company’s management emphasizes that the partnership aligns with efforts by the US and Australia to establish secure critical mineral supply chains independent of China.

Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct extensive sample-by-sample quality assessments, pilot-scale studies, and field testing in industrial vehicles and machinery. Successful technical validation could pave the way for long-term supply contracts, bringing raw materials from Australian mines to US manufacturing facilities.