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CBMM already leads the way in the production of the soft white metal - discovered in 1801 - and, after decades of R&D has created a multi-billion dollar industry based around Niobium’s ability to change the basic structure of materials including steel and aluminium. Now leading the way in Niobium battery research, CBMM and Niobium technology can solve some of the biggest challenges to widespread adoption of EVs.
Following the success of CBMM's involvement in the Mexico City, Paris and New York E-Prix in 2017, the company has expanded its association with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, as it takes the race title sponsorship for both the Punta del Este and inaugural Rome E-Prix.
Over the last 40 years CBMM has used its scientific expertise to develop technologies that use Niobium to make stronger, tougher, more formable materials. Niobium is now used in rockets and jet engines, in advanced cars and in the world’s tallest buildings and its longest bridges. Niobium’s unique properties mean it is also used in advanced scientific applications such as the large hadron collider, MRI scanners and the afterburners on a fighter jet.
In most industries Niobium touches our lives because engineers are able to use it to improve the performance of steel. As a result, products are lighter which is why Niobium is used to make cars that are safer and more fuel-efficient, buildings that are taller and have lower environmental footprints as well as pipelines that can carry higher volumes of gas more safely.
CBMM is now working with its partners to develop new, innovative materials that increase battery performance whilst improving longevity and safety. These Niobium materials can increase the amount of energy stored in a battery whilst also reducing charging times and increasing their operating life.
“The importance of implementing technologies such as Niobium is crucial to the continual development in the automotive sector and the push for electrification, especially as the demand for producing battery and electric motor components accelerates further," said Formula E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag.
With more change taking place in the car industry than ever before, in terms of electrification, the use of new materials and a move to safer, more sustainable mobility, Niobium could be set to dramatically increase in the years to come.
"Through the Niobium Materials Technology Project we partner with automotive OEMs and suppliers," said Marcos Stuart, CTO of CBMM Niobium. "Together we develop and commercialise advanced technologies in areas including lightweight, safety, emissions reduction, batteries and electronics that will drive the transformation of the automotive sector. Formula E provides a fantastic opportunity to support this objective."
Building on the relationships formed within the all-electric series, CBMM created the first electric bike - designed and produced in Brazil - in partnership with EDG, a company founded by Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler driver and reigning champ Lucas di Grassi.
Find out more at niobium.tech and don't miss out on the Punta del Este or Rome E-Prix - click here to find out how to watch.