CBMM, a leader in the production and commercialisation of niobium products, has officially inaugurated the world’s first volume manufacturing facility dedicated to producing Echion Technologies’ proprietary ultra-fast charging XNO® active anode material technology.
The new plant, in Araxá, Brazil, is the largest niobium-based anode production facility in the world, capable of producing 2,000 t/y of XNO, equivalent to 1 GWh of lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells.
This facility enables Echion to mass-produce XNO at scale to meet the worldwide demand for the product. Echion’s unique partnership with CBMM ensures a robust and reliable supply chain for XNO.
The plant was opened at a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by CBMM, Echion and its customers, government representatives, senior leadership teams from both companies, and journalists from Brazilian media outlets. The opening marked a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between CBMM and Echion and represents a major step forward in the companies’ joint goal of expanding the use of niobium in battery production. In addition to driving technological innovation, the new plant reflects CBMM’s commitment to contributing to a more sustainable future through advanced technologies, it says.
Echion’s niobium-based anode material, XNO, enables Li-ion batteries to ultra-fast charge safely, maintain high energy densities even at extreme temperatures and deliver high power across a cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles, according to Echion. XNO has been specifically engineered to allow electrified heavy-duty industrial, commercial and mass-transport vehicles to operate with the highest productivity and the lowest total cost of ownership.
Speaking at the event, Jean de La Verpilliere, CEO of Echion Technologies, said: “The opening of this production plant creates robust supply capacity to meet the significant commercial demand we have for XNO. XNO is already having a positive impact on our cell manufacturing customers, downstream OEMs and end-users. Echion is beginning to trade at scale, and that is a major milestone for company growth. I would like to thank CBMM for their ongoing partnership with Echion to bring XNO to mass production.”
CBMM has set a target of achieving 30% of its revenue from non-steel-based products by 2030. Every year, CBMM invests BRL250 million ($43 million) in its technology program. This collaboration with Echion is fundamental to maximising the potential of new materials, focusing on the development of niobium-enhanced anodes that increase battery efficiency and durability. As part of its strategic growth plan, CBMM aims to reach a capacity of 20,000 t of niobium oxide by 2030 for batteries.
Ricardo Lima, CEO of CBMM, said: “At CBMM, we anticipate significant growth in the battery sector in the coming years. Therefore, we are proud to celebrate the fruits of this partnership, which reinforces our Sustainability Plan and aligns with global trends toward decarbonisation and the promotion of electrification. This inauguration is milestone in our history, enabling CBMM to keep transforming science into technology, and technology into business.”