Tesla’s $3 Patent Purchase Unveils Novel Battery Innovation
When Elon Musk took the stage at Tesla’s Battery Day last September and announced plans to slash lithium-ion battery prices in half, he hinted at a revolutionary new approach to cathode production. Dubbed as “insanely complicated” by Musk, the process of creating nickel metal cathodes faced a significant overhaul, and the secret behind this innovation appears to lie with a small Canadian battery startup.
Just weeks before Battery Day, Tesla quietly acquired several patent applications from Springpower International, a Toronto-based company, for a mere $3, according to public records. One of these patents outlined a unique process for cathode manufacturing that caught the attention of Tesla engineers.
Springpower’s patented method eliminates the need for costly water treatment in cathode production, a process notorious for generating contaminated water laden with hazardous chemicals. By recirculating the chemical solution and reusing water, the company’s technology not only drastically reduces operational costs but also paves the way for sustainable battery production.
Following the patent purchase, several researchers from Springpower International updated their LinkedIn profiles to reflect new positions at Tesla, fueling speculation about Tesla’s potential acquisition of the small battery company. However, Springpower’s CEO and executives remain tight-lipped about the deal, redirecting inquiries to Tesla’s public affairs team.
If confirmed, Tesla’s acquisition of Springpower International would mark another strategic move by the electric car giant to secure cutting-edge battery technologies. With Musk’s ambitious goal of launching a $25,000 electric vehicle on the horizon, the collaboration between Tesla and Springpower could signal a major breakthrough in battery innovation within the automotive industry.
