Brazilian niobium producer CBMM has completed the development of a lithium ion battery which uses niobium titanium oxide (NTO) in the anode.

It was done in collaboration with Toshiba Corporation and Sojitz Corporation of Japan.

The firms have unveiled a prototype e-bus powered by the battery which has a charging time of around 10 minutes and high energy density.

The e-bus was developed by Volkswagen Truck & Bus, Brazil.

The three companies said they would continue to work together to maximise the use of their respective technology and knowledge, toward launching the new battery in spring 2025.

Rogério Ribas, technical head of battery program at CBMM said: “The use of niobium oxide in the anode of lithium ion batteries brings special characteristics for this component. As it hosts lithium at an inherently stable voltage, it provides safer and more efficient operation.”

The prototype will also be tested at CBMM’s industrial plant to provide invaluable data on the characteristics of the NTO battery and vehicle operation data, and support any adjustments needed for commercialization.