From knock-off old-man's electric vehicles to industrial giant

Chapter 109 Acupuncture Experiment - Initiation!

The preliminary research on Polestar batteries began several months ago.

The selection and formulation of materials underwent a total of four rounds of verification.

Thanks to the integration of the Vaillant battery R&D team, we encountered virtually no bottlenecks during this period.

Only after these steps are completed can we move on to the cell structure design and the process design and equipment modification for the complete cell structure.

We've reached the stage of initial small-sample validation.

Once that's achieved, we can declare the technology to be initially mature. What follows is a long process of testing and adjusting the "optimal performance structure".

Hear the news.

Xu Yi arrived at the battery research and development center without stopping.

Cao Yang, the battery R&D technical director, and Dong Yuhui and a group of battery R&D personnel were all waiting.

On the equipment testing table was a long, thin battery cell that was different from the cylindrical power battery cells on the market. When people looked at this battery cell, their eyes couldn't help but flash with pride.

Unlike the A2 battery cell, the significance of this first sample rollout is completely different. It represents a leap forward in structure, concept, and safety, and it will definitely cause a major upheaval in the industry!
...

"President Xu..." "President Xu is here!"

Upon seeing Xu Yi arrive, the R&D staff present greeted him warmly.

Xu Yi nodded slightly, without saying much, and focused his gaze and attention on the large single-cell sample in front of him.

"After the samples were completed, we tested their electrochemical performance. The tested capacity was 180 Ah, and the target capacity is over 200 Ah. We expect to further increase the capacity by adjusting the electrode thickness in the future..."

"After 300 cycles of initial cycle life testing, instrument observation showed that the changes in internal crystallization properties were far lower than those of the previous generation A2 cells. It is expected to achieve at least 2500 excellent cycle life. However, we should be able to reach the full cycle life of over 3000 cycles after further optimization of the electrolyte formula."

Cao Yang then introduced the sample test data.

The characteristic of lithium iron phosphate cells is their long cycle life. Therefore, after deliberate optimization, the degradation rate is even slower. The degradation life tested here refers to the capacity still being ≥80% under 3,000 1C charge-discharge cycles.

Long-life battery cells like these are still relatively rare in the industry.

With a cycle life of 3,000 to 4,000 cycles, it can basically cover the ultra-high intensity usage needs of charging users. Even if a taxi runs 100,000 kilometers a year, or more than 500,000 kilometers in five years, there is no need to worry about a significant degradation in battery life.

It can be said that lithium iron phosphate cells are the most suitable cells for vehicles operating under high-intensity, cyclical conditions.

If ternary lithium battery cells are used instead, the cycle life will be halved. Without special optimization of the electrolyte and cycle life, the cycle life will be exceeded in two or three years, resulting in a significant decrease in capacity.

"So, in terms of both performance and capacity, at least two-thirds of the R&D goals have been achieved?" Xu Yi carefully examined the long, thin, large single-cell structure in front of him.

As the world's most likely first mass-produced and commercially available long, thin, large-cell battery, it is quite different from the blade battery he saw in his previous life.

After all, he only provided an idea and suggestion; the rest of the formula and structure were completed by the R&D team. Naturally, it was not a copy, but a true R&D from the ground up.

"Yes, we have actually completed the technical approach. However, the structure and electrolyte formulation of the first sample have not yet been optimized to their limits. We will conduct a round of electrochemical performance testing first, and then make adjustments step by step."

What about security?

"Regarding safety, we have already conducted extrusion strength tests and thermal runaway tests. The long and thin sheet design optimizes heat dissipation, and even when the battery cell is heated to 200°C, there is no obvious fire phenomenon. Now there is only one last safety test left, the needle penetration test, which is waiting for you, Mr. Xu, to conduct it personally."

...

Cao Yang's tone was tinged with a smile.

According to their estimates, the Polaris large monomer has a near certainty of passing this experiment, which is far ahead of the small monomer structures that are still common in the market.

and.

Ternary lithium batteries and pouch batteries have an almost 100% probability of exploding and catching fire after being damaged.

This is why the market coverage of new energy vehicles has not yet exploded.

Once the number of vehicles in use reaches a certain scale, internal thermal runaway caused by impacts to the battery pack or other unexpected factors can indeed lead to a complete vehicle explosion.

However, with the structural improvements and electrolyte formulation improvements brought about by large single-cell batteries, such incidents will rarely occur. This represents a breakthrough in battery safety, and even if a severe impact or puncture does occur, thermal runaway will be within a controllable range.

As for completely preventing combustion, that's definitely impossible; even a gasoline-powered car would struggle to achieve that after a collision.

"What are we waiting for... Initiate the acupuncture experiment!"

The scene of the needle prick experiment was moved to an empty testing platform.

The area was completely empty, with high-strength glass separating the inside from the outside. On one test platform, a large single-cell Polar Star battery was fixed, while on another test platform, a common ternary lithium battery was placed.

The setup for this test was almost identical to the test video Xu Yi had seen in his previous life.

"The battery cell on the left is our Polestar large single cell, and the one on the right is a competitor's ternary lithium battery pack. Both are fully charged..."

Cao Yang spoke again.

In fact, they had already conducted the needle penetration test on the battery packs of their competitors.

However, to make the comparison more intuitive, a ternary lithium battery pack was also included. Moreover, there was no careful selection; it was just a common type of ternary lithium battery pack on the market.

Xu Yi nodded and pressed the button without hesitation.

There was a click.

The steel needle fixed above was slowly pressed down, and the steel needles on both sides simultaneously pierced the center of the two battery packs at an extremely stable speed.

With a loud bang and a flash of light, the right-side ternary lithium battery pack instantly expanded and burst into flames, which shot up more than a meter high.

In contrast, the Polaris battery cell on the left was completely unaffected, showing only localized temperature increases on the thermal imaging camera.

This test result was expected.

Currently, no ternary lithium battery pack solution on the market can withstand the nail penetration test.

With this level of effectiveness, the safety performance is now comparable to the blade battery that Xu Yi saw in his previous life.

Xu Yi was already very satisfied with this!
At this point in time, releasing a product that directly competes with the blade battery is practically a guaranteed kill!
Sure thing!!
but.

Just then, Cao Yang looked at Xu Yi, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.

"Mr. Xu... Actually, this is not the limit, because the R&D progress this time is quite smooth, and we have enough time to optimize the cell structure and formula."

It's important to know that lithium iron phosphate cells are characterized by their stability and non-flammability, making single-point puncture relatively easy to complete. Challenges like this are actually quite simple to achieve.

The main reason we invited you here is to let you witness the safety limits of Polestar battery packs...

Perform a multi-point puncture experiment!

...

As soon as he said it, Xu Yi was slightly taken aback.

"Multiple puncture points?"

"Yes, multiple punctures... It is foreseeable that once our battery pack is released, it will definitely attract a lot of research from our competitors. With a reference point, the industry's battery solutions will improve very quickly. At that time, there will definitely be more than one company that can reproduce the puncture test."

Our internally optimized Polestar battery, which demonstrated multi-point puncture resistance without ignition in a public demonstration, would be a decisive blow!

Cao Yang stated with certainty that he had a strong commitment to technological leadership.

Xu Yi pondered, "Have you tested this beforehand?"

"To be honest, single-point puncture has a 100% success rate, while multi-point puncture only has a 70% to 80% success rate. However, based on the puncture location, we have roughly figured out some patterns," Cao Yang added.

then.

What appeared before Xu Yi were two steel needles that were slowly pressed down on the Polaris Battery.

That's right, so-called multi-point puncture is a puncture experiment performed by two steel needles at the same time. After all, two points are still multiple points!

As the steel needle completely pierced the inside and outside of the battery cell, a small amount of black smoke was clearly seen emanating from the damaged area, indicating the release of heat. The reaction was noticeably more intense than the previous single-point puncture. However...

Under Xu Yi's watchful gaze, the large single-cell Polaris battery ultimately did not explode, demonstrating a much more stable structure and properties compared to ternary lithium batteries.

Seeing this, all the battery R&D personnel present breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately following was a slight look of joy!

Xu Yi was equally surprised. The research result of "multi-point puncture" had exceeded his expectations. Promoting it at the press conference would definitely be a big gimmick.

Although it's just two points, their significance and difficulty are completely different!

With battery cells that achieve this level of safety, coupled with structural reinforcement after installation and thermal management control, they can minimize the spontaneous combustion rate in subsequent mass-produced vehicles.

Steady!

This time it's truly solid and spicy!!

……

……

With the booming business of car window tinting at the car mall, Zheng Guozhao has become busy once again.

Besides some long-time car owners, even new car owners have a high acceptance of window tinting.

After learning that the directly operated store offered official screen protector application services, I placed an order without hesitation.

The entire process of picking up the car and applying the window film was completed at the Xingchen direct-sale store, achieving one-stop service.

Not only that.

In order to meet more diverse needs.

Zheng Guozhao also imported high-quality transparent car wraps and high-heat-insulating car window films from the colored plastic film factory. After slashing the prices to a low point, he put them all on the car mall.

It has received unanimous praise from car owners.

The entire official car owner community is bustling with activity and energy.

"It seems that younger car owners have much stronger purchasing power than older drivers who buy recreational vehicles for the elderly..."

Zheng Guozhao sat in the directly operated store, took a sip of coffee, and seemed to be thinking.

With the reputation of its high-quality window tinting, some young car owners opted for a one-stop service when they took delivery of their cars. They spent 5,000 yuan on a set of color-changing film and window heat insulation film, which was very clean and efficient.

This has led to Xingchen Automotive having an additional profit margin from after-sales modifications, which is steadily increasing over time.

"Mr. Zheng, the samples of your customized inflatable mattress and heart-shaped wheel hubs have arrived by express delivery. Would you like to install them in the car for a practical test now?"

Just then, a staff member from the store came over.

"Okay, let's see how it goes first. Let me, Lao Zheng, personally inspect the quality."

Zheng Guozhao perked up and immediately stood up from the sofa.

With the explosive success of the car window tinting business, many ideas burst forth in his mind!
For example.

Modifications inside the vehicle.

The interior design of the Star Mini features seats that can be fully folded down in both the front and rear rows, but the surface is not completely flat.

Office workers, fishing enthusiasts, camping lovers... there's a lot of demand for inflatable mattresses in the group.

Once fully unfolded, it can transform the car's interior into a temporary "double room".

Taking a lunch break or a nap is perfectly fine.

Customized parts like these are all single-vehicle, single-mold, and there are no related accessories available on the market yet.

Besides that, there's the issue of custom wheels, as there are relatively few official styles available, and there's been some demand for them.

Zheng Guozhao's attitude is—Do it!

He personally oversaw everything, since he was just idling around anyway. If Xingchen Motors didn't do it, someone else in the market would.

In that case, why not just make all the modification parts that car owners need into official premium products?

In Mr. Xu's words, it's called... the whole ecosystem model!
then.

Zheng Guozhao was busy for a while.

After inspection and hands-on experience, the customized Starry Sky Mini inflatable mattress and heart-shaped wheels have no problems whatsoever.

These were all factories he had previously worked with when he was in the modification business.

You can get fairly high-quality modification parts at near-low prices.

Once everything is confirmed to be correct, the car can be listed on the online store.

……

After dealing with these matters, Zheng Guozhao opened the official car owner group to see the feedback from the car owners.

at this time.

He received a private message.

"Mr. Zheng, I saw you were asking for opinions on the car store in the group. Has the official store considered listing custom-painted wraps? I'm an amateur graphic designer and I've designed a set of itasha (decorated cars) custom wraps that I can provide to you for free. If the official store can list them, I don't mind if the price is a bit higher..."

He was contacted privately by a car owner's account.

Saw this message.

Zheng Guozhao couldn't help but be taken aback, a question mark slowly forming in his mind.

"Itasha? What's that? Does driving a car cause pain?"

to be frank.

He had never heard of the term "itasha" before.

With his question.

Several more colored illustrations were sent over, and after carefully examining the information in the pictures...

Zheng Guozhao suddenly realized.

—Isn't this just anime?!
"Oh... this is anime-themed film. Painted film is a custom-made film, and you need to find a manufacturer to make a pattern. If no one else is collecting patterns for you, the cost of making a set of this film would probably be more than five thousand."

He replied directly.

Other color-changing films are all purchased directly; the cost of custom-made ones is definitely difficult to reduce.

Therefore, he felt it would be difficult to meet the car owner's request.

but.

The other party replied very quickly.

"Only five thousand? I can pay for that myself! It would be great if the official company could customize a set for me."

As soon as these words came out.

Zheng Guozhao was completely stunned and couldn't help but gasp.

hiss--! !

Is it really that easy to make money in the world of anime and manga?
(End of this chapter)