U.S. battery developer acquired by Total, battery emerging technology develops rapidly

　　A few days ago, French oil giant Total stated that its venture capital company has acquired shares in Ionic Materials, a privately held battery developer located in Massachusetts, for an undisclosed amount.

　　A few days ago, French oil giant Total stated that its venture capital company has acquired shares in Ionic Materials, a privately held battery developer located in Massachusetts. The transaction amount was not disclosed.

　　IonicMaterials provides research and development services, and focuses on the development of advanced materials for high-energy density batteries, which are said to be safer and cheaper than traditional materials.

　　"We have decided to invest in IonicMaterials in order to pay close attention to this technology. This technology may be one of the most promising ways for the development of solid-state batteries." Total declined to disclose how many shares it has acquired.

　　In February of this year, IonicMaterials once stated that it had received $65 million in Series C financing from a group of financial and strategic investors.

　　"Total Energy Investment Corporation (TEV) pays close attention to the field of energy storage, especially the emerging technology of batteries." Total said that TEV has invested about 160 million US dollars in more than 30 start-up companies in the technology and energy fields.

　　Total claims that IonicMaterials' breakthrough technology can significantly improve battery safety, performance and cost. Solid-state batteries are considered as next-generation batteries for various applications including electric vehicles.

　　Since 2013, Total has expanded its renewable energy asset portfolio as global energy consumption shifts to cleaner and more efficient use.

　　In 2016, Total acquired French battery manufacturer Saft for US$1 billion.