Australian Vanadium Ltd (ASX:AVL, OTCQB:ATVVF) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with US battery technology company Tyfast Energy Corp to evaluate Australian vanadium for use in fast-charging lithium-ion batteries targeting mining, trucking, construction and defence applications.
The agreement establishes a staged pathway to evaluate and qualify AVL's planned Australian vanadium oxide products for Tyfast's proprietary lithium vanadium oxide (LVO) anode technology, with the companies also considering potential future supply and offtake arrangements.
The collaboration could open an additional market for AVL's vanadium alongside its existing focus on steel and vanadium flow batteries , while increasing Australian participation in heavy-duty battery supply chains.
Fast-charging battery opportunity
Tyfast is developing LVO-based lithium-ion batteries designed to combine rapid charging, long cycle life, broad temperature performance and high energy density for demanding heavy-duty applications.
The company has reported charging to more than 80% state of charge in under six minutes at room temperature and under 11 minutes at -20°C in 3 Ah pouch cells, with energy density of around 200-250 Wh/kg.
Its wider development program has also demonstrated more than 10,000 cycles in smaller-format test cells and operation across temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C.
These characteristics could be particularly relevant to mining haul trucks and other equipment where charging downtime, operating conditions and intensive duty cycles can limit conventional lithium-ion battery performance.
Tyfast is also developing its technology for US defence applications spanning ground vehicles, aviation, directed-energy systems and expeditionary energy.
Pathway toward potential offtake
Under the MOU, AVL and Tyfast will undertake technical and commercial evaluation of Australian vanadium oxide, including determining target product specifications and assessing potential quantities and delivery schedules.
The program is expected to include sample testing, bench and pilot-scale qualification, potential mine-site and fleet trials and engagement with original equipment manufacturers.
The companies will also evaluate Australian, US and allied government funding opportunities covering critical minerals, battery manufacturing, defence technology and heavy-duty electrification.
Successful technical and commercial evaluation could lead to demonstration projects, pre-commercial supply and negotiations for longer-term commercial supply or offtake agreements.
The MOU has an 18-month term and is non-exclusive, with no minimum supply volumes, pricing or purchase commitments agreed at this stage.
Australian Vanadium Project
The collaboration supports AVL's strategy to develop diversified markets for future production from its Australian Vanadium Project at Gabanintha in Western Australia.
AVL is considering the potential production of higher-purity vanadium products as part of its Optimised Feasibility Study, providing flexibility to serve emerging battery technologies alongside established vanadium markets.
The Australian Vanadium Project hosts a mineral resource of 395.4 million tonnes at 0.77% vanadium pentoxide, including a high-grade zone of 173.2 million tonnes at 1.09% vanadium pentoxide.
About Australian Vanadium
Australian Vanadium is developing an integrated vanadium business spanning resource development, high-purity processing and energy storage.
Its wholly owned VSUN Energy subsidiary is focused on developing the Australian market for vanadium flow batteries and long-duration energy storage, while AVL continues to assess additional high-value uses for vanadium in emerging lithium-ion battery technologies.
The Tyfast agreement adds lithium vanadium oxide batteries to that strategy and provides AVL with a potential pathway into heavy-duty electrification and defence-related battery markets.
