‘Revolutionary’ EV Battery Technology – DESTEN’s CEO Interviewed

Four minutes and forty seconds to charge a sports car up to 80 percent of its battery capacity. That’s the claim of DESTEN – a Chinese company founded in 2015 – that develops what it calls ‘revolutionary’ lithium-ion batteries.

Its CEO is David Gerhard Demmer. And Auto Futures has managed to snag a rare interview with him.

Demmer tells us: “Our mission is driven by the modern challenges, with health and environmental outcomes at the core of our endeavour, DESTEN aims to revolutionise fast charging in the e-mobility age by improving and facilitating access to green energy across applications.” 

We asked Demmer to explain more about the battery technology that has been deployed in the Piëch Mark Zero – an all-electric sports car that made its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

“DESTEN’s battery technology reflects a fundamental shift in the capability and deployment of batteries. DESTEN has developed new and exciting nano-materials which make up the basis of our exceptionally fast charging; further though, these fast charging characteristics come with long life cycles and low heat development during charging and discharging.”

He adds: “DESTEN’s cells can charge exceedingly quickly, with up to 3000 cycles (with 80% state of charge) at a charge rate of 6C, and maintain temperature increases of under 15 degrees Celsius, even at 10C charging rates. Consumers are used to the efficiency of refuelling their car in five minutes, where now an electric vehicle can address this issue, significantly accelerating adoption. Fast charging speed is the key element to enable an organic and green mass adoption of electric vehicles.”

The Great Leap Forward

Demmer says DESTEN’s unique battery technologies are not just a leap forward in capability, but also in terms of safety.

“Across all safety tests, DESTEN’s cells were found to exceed the requirements comfortably. DESTEN’s cells have been certified the Chinese Quality Certification Centre; recognizing the safety of our systems in their application.”

“Desten’s cells have also been tested by institutions like Hofer powertrain, Esslingen University and TÜV Süd; the safety of DESTEN’s cells is reflected in its highly stable nature, even at significant charging rates our cells warm up very little,” he adds.

Testing…Testing…

The company is partnering with a number of companies to test, develop and deploy its battery technology.

“We are particularly pleased to partner with components like Piëch, TGOOD and Hofer, all of which are big names in their respective fields. Our partners have all demonstrated an affinity towards thinking beyond the current paradigms of electric mobility; our collective commitment to dynamism allows us to think differently and exceed limits, together.”

“Hofer has conducted intensive testing of our battery systems and will institute our systems in its powertrains to be supplied to OEMs worldwide. DESTEN has partnered up with Qingdao TGOOD for the charging infrastructure for Piëch first revealed electric sports car Mark Zero,” explains Demmer. 

Classic Design

Earlier this year, Klaus Schmidt, head of engineering at Piëch Automotive, visited DESTEN in China to drive a first trial vehicle equipped with the new battery cells.

Schmidt says: “I’m already looking forward to when we launch the Piëch Mark Zero onto the market with this innovative technology in three years’ time. Besides the short charging time, the innovative thermal management of the batteries also gives them the highest level of stability, and fast laps on the Nürburgring Nordschleife should not be a problem with the first roadworthy prototype of our Piëch Mark Zero in the spring of next year.”

Demmer told us what he thinks about the Piëch Mark Zero: “It is a beautiful sports car with a classic design without being retro. People who like to drive a pure sports car with the best technology can do it in the future electrical. We can’t wait to drive it.”

Fast Charging Infrastructure

DESTEN says it’s also offering its innovative technology in all other industrial and consumer electronic applications that require fast charging, such as mobile phones, drones, notebooks and power tools.

“DESTEN’s commitment is to look after our environment for the next generation. As such, DESTEN is looking to apply its technologies to facilitate sustainable interaction with energy.”

But Demmer thinks that the infrastructure must develop to accommodate fast charging for electric vehicles.

“Infrastructure capable of charging at these high currents will be crucial to the further development of the EV market. Desten’s technology – together with its partner TGOOD – will facilitate this expansion to ensure that charging infrastructure, where it’s required, will be up to speed and fit for purpose.”

Demmer concludes: “Desten will continue to focus on its research and development whilst expanding our network of partnerships and collaborations to fulfill Desten’s vision and foster a better world for the next generation.” 

If you want to know more about the state of battery technology. Here’s our explainer.