Toshiba Corporation has launched an upgraded version of its SCiB lithium-ion battery module, aimed at electric buses, ships and stationary applications that require sustained high power use. The new battery module, available from mid-April 2025, incorporates a significant design change with the introduction of an aluminium baseplate. This adjustment enables the module to dissipate approximately twice the heat of its predecessor, addressing a critical issue faced in high-performance energy systems—heat management.
With the global shift towards electric mobility and decentralised energy solutions, there is a growing need for battery modules that can handle repeated rapid charging and discharging without shortening battery life. Toshiba’s SCiB battery technology, which uses a lithium titanate negative electrode, is already known for long lifespan, high safety, fast charging and consistent performance at low temperatures. However, when subjected to heavy usage, the generation of heat can limit the long-term functionality of the modules. The new design focuses precisely on that challenge.
Traditionally, battery module baseplates are made from resin materials which offer insulation but restrict heat transfer. Aluminium, although an excellent thermal conductor, introduces the complication of electrical conductivity. To resolve this, Toshiba developed a novel structural design that allows the use of aluminium while meeting essential insulation and voltage resistance requirements. The result is a battery module that maintains its safety and reliability while substantially improving cooling performance under typical operating conditions.
The new module, named Type4-23 (FM01202CCB04), supports a continuous current of 160A and peak currents of up to 350A for 30 seconds. It features 24 lithium-ion cells (23Ah each) in a 2P12S configuration, delivering a nominal voltage of 27.6V and a rated capacity of 45Ah or 1242Wh. With dimensions of 203.8mm width, 395mm depth, and 134.2mm height, and weighing approximately 16.5kg, the unit includes built-in functions for voltage monitoring, temperature tracking, cell balancing and communication.
The operating temperature range spans from -30 to 50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for a wide range of climates and deployment settings. Furthermore, the battery module will be certified under the UL1973 safety standard, ensuring its use in stationary systems such as off-grid setups and microgrids. This certification enhances its appeal in markets where safety and regulatory compliance are increasingly non-negotiable.
In addition to improving battery life and reducing lifecycle costs, this module is expected to contribute to environmental goals by supporting longer-term use and reducing waste from early battery replacement. The use of aluminium also opens up new manufacturing efficiencies for Toshiba, particularly at its production facilities, which will likely lead to broader application in industrial and mobility sectors.