Creating Virtual Simulations to Replicate how Batteries Function - About:Energy CEO, Gavin White

About:Energy is a UK battery data and software company started in 2022 by Kieran O'Regan and Gavin White. It uses high-quality data to accelerate its customers’ strategic decision-making across the battery supply chain, from cell selection to end-of-life analysis. 

Former Jaguar Land Rover and Group Renault CEO, Thierry Bolloré, was appointed to its Board in Novermber, 2023.

"Our shared mission was to accelerate the transition to electrification by providing the tools and data needed to optimise battery design," White, About:Energy's CEO, tells Auto Futures.

Virtual prototyping is the process of creating virtual simulations to replicate how batteries function. These models allow batteries to be prototyped digitally to understand performance prior to and to complement physical testing.

"A major perk of virtual prototyping is that it accelerates development timelines by allowing companies to prototype virtually, reducing the need for extensive physical testing. By leveraging advanced physical and empirical modelling techniques, precise datasets, and specialised testing techniques, virtual prototyping enables accurate prediction of battery behaviour, design optimisation, and informed decision-making when it comes to key metrics such as lifetime and cost," explains White.

"This combination of robust data, predictive modelling, and engineering integration facilitates better and faster decisions, leading to shorter development cycles, lower costs, and performance optimisation, ultimately providing a competitive advantage through reduced risks and time-to-market."

An example of where About:Energy's technology could have been used to save money and time is the Nissan Leaf, which encountered faster than expected battery degradation in hot climates. 

"By leveraging advanced simulations and datasets, the intricate relationships between battery performance, thermal management, and pack optimisation could have been thoroughly analysed before production. This would have allowed Nissan to implement enhanced thermal strategies and refine pack configurations upfront, mitigating premature degradation in hot environments," he says..

The Voltt is the company's software platform featuring advanced battery data and models to streamline development. 

"Our customers pay us a subscription fee and can access the Voltt to gain the visibility needed to make optimal design decisions without disrupting existing workflows. It can advise companies on cell selection, pack design, lifetime prediction, drive cycle simulation, and performance optimisation."

Getting An Industry Veteran On-Board

The former Jaguar Land Rover and Group Renault CEO, Thierry Bolloré, has joined About:Energy's Board. The introduction came at a networking dinner hosted by one of the company's investors, Plug and Play Tech Centre. 

"Thierry has first-hand experience of the pressure’s automakers face in transitioning to electric vehicles - getting cutting-edge batteries to market quickly and cost-effectively – a key value proposition for our technology. After several calls and an in-person meeting in London we found incredible long-term alignment and in November last year we were thrilled when he accepted our invitation to be on our board," says White.

"His experience, credibility, and industry knowledge have already proven invaluable as we continue to scale and support a growing number of customers," he adds.

About:Energy recently announced a partnership with another UK startup Monolith. By combining Monolith's AI software with its battery data, they will create highly accurate pre-trained AI models.

"These models will give unmatched insights into tricky battery issues like degradation and thermal runaway, letting us drastically cut physical testing. This ability to virtually prototype batteries with such accuracy means we can optimise designs way faster - potentially shaving 12-18 months off development timelines," he explains.

"Automakers, battery firms, and EV startups can all benefit from our integrated advanced testing, modelling and AI approach - delivering higher-performing, safer, more cost-effective batteries to market quicker than ever before."

The Future Of Clean Mobility

To date About:Energy has raised £1.7 million from venture capital firms like HighSage Ventures, Vireo Ventures, and Plug and Play Tech Centre. It's also secured £1 million from UK government grants. This funding has allowed it to scale up operations, and take on over 10 major customers.

"Right now, we're exploring raising a Series A round, with our existing seed investors as well as some new partners showing interest. This fresh capital will allow us to double down on enhancing our data and modelling capabilities to meet the rising demand we're seeing," says White.

"Looking ahead over the next five years, we see About:Energy establishing itself as an essential enabler of the battery revolution. Our aim is to position the company not just as an emerging tech startup, but as a leader spearheading meaningful progress in this field. We want our products and services to deliver tangible, positive impacts on society and the environment globally. By helping to reduce battery costs, we hope to play a pivotal role in accelerating the world's transition to electrified systems."

Finally, we asked White what EV charging and batteries look like in the future.

"The future of EV charging and batteries will rely heavily on leveraging advanced virtual testing and prototyping capabilities. Sure, physical testing will always play a role, but virtual tools offer game-changing benefits - reducing costs, risks, and accelerating getting new battery tech to market," he predicts.

"The road ahead will be challenging, but advanced virtual prototyping will be essential for driving rapid, cost-effective innovation in batteries and charging. Leading that charge is crucial for the future of clean mobility and energy," concludes White.