Echion partners with Australian contracting group MACA

It lays the foundation for MACA to access Echion’s state-of-the-art battery technology, utilising niobium-based XNO® anode materials.

XNO® anode materials unlock unique capabilities in lithium-ion batteries used in heavy duty electric vehicles, including: ultra-fast charging, high energy density, long-cycle life and high performance in extreme environments.

Echion will work to develop the battery specifications and requirements for use in MACA’s applications and leverage Echion’s battery supply chain partners to provide XNO®-equipped batteries.

Ben Ting, Chief Commercial Officer at Echion, said: “We are delighted to have signed the MoU with our partner, MACA. I was very impressed by the pioneering spirit of the organisation and its track record in deploying innovative new technologies into existing mining contracts.

“Echion’s anode material, XNO®, has the attributes required to meet the needs of heavy duty industrial electric vehicles and we are excited to be working towards developing battery packs and eventually, vehicles that are powered by XNO®.

“While this is just the first step in our journey together, we believe that our new partnership can make significant inroads into the mass electrification of heavy-duty mining and construction vehicles.”

David Greig, Group Executive of MACA, addd: “We are committed to being at the forefront of innovative technologies which have the power to advance our journey towards sustainability and decarbonisation.

“This partnership with Echion further establishes MACA as a business driving change through new ways of working, as we set our sights on the potential benefits of XNO® for our fleet of heavy-duty vehicles.”

Lithium-ion batteries powered by XNO® can safely charge in less than 10 minutes, maintain high energy densities even at low temperatures, and deliver high power across a cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles.