Tesla’s Advanced Battery Research group in Canada has been producing battery technology and filing patents for the company since 2016. And in a new move, Tesla has named a new head of the firm, and one with a wealth of experience already in the field.
On Monday, electrek reported that Tesla named Jeff Dahn as the new head of its Advanced Battery Research group in Canada. Alongside the move, Tesla also agreed to renew its contract with the research team to 2026, which was previously set to expire in 2021.
Elon Musk Says Battery Cell Production is Slowing Down Sustainable Energy Future https://t.co/QUo8LtrfnQ
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Dahn is considered a major pioneer in lithium-ion batteries, even being credited for increasing the life cycle of the cells, ultimately helping to make electric vehicles (EVs) a more plausible product for the average consumer.
In 2016, Dahn’s research team, based out of Dalhousie University, transitioned from a 20-year research agreement with 3M to its current partnership model with Tesla, officially forming what came to be known as “NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research.”
Joined by Dahn are an additional two new research chairs, Dr. Chongyin Yang and Dr. Michael Metzger. Together, Tesla hopes to face some of its biggest barriers with this new team, and it’s likely to continue pushing the industry forward.
“I am so pleased to welcome Chongyin Yang and Michael Metzger to Dalhousie University assistant professors and Chairholders. Both are outstanding scientists and charismatic leaders. Our goal is to continue to help Tesla develop better advanced batteries for its products.” said Dr. Jeff Dahn, NSERC/Tesla Canada Inc. Industrial Research Chair, and Canada Research Chair in Materials for Advanced Batteries, in a statement.
“Dr. Yang and Dr. Metzger bring new ideas, new methods, and new expertise as well as a full commitment to electric transportation and renewable energy to the partnership,” added Dahn.
Tesla said in a statement, “We are thrilled to be extending and expanding our work with Dalhousie and Jeff Dahn with the addition of Chongyin and Michael. We look forward to their important contributions in battery technology to help achieve our mission.”
