Mr. Tyrone Docherty reports

TOYOTA THE LATEST AUTO GIANT TO ANNOUNCE SOLID-STATE EV BATTERIES

Recent announcements about development of solid-state batteries (SSBs) for electric vehicles, most recently from Toyota, but also from Stellantis, Hyundai and Volkswagen, highlight how SSBs are ushering in the next major advancement in EV technology. SSBs promise far greater efficiency and range (reportedly over 900 miles/1,448 kilometres), shorter charge times, and lighter weight. Concurrently, First Tellurium Corp.'s strategic partner Fenix Advanced Materials of Trail, B.C., a world leader in the manufacture of ultrahigh-purity metals, continues to advance its lithium-tellurium (LiTe) SSB developed in partnership with UBC Okanagan (as reported March, 2022, and September, 2022). The Fenix SSB will have far higher charging capacity, much smaller size and a battery life up to 400 per cent that of lithium-ion batteries with no chance of catching fire.

The number of lithium-ion battery-based fires is growing with enormous frequency worldwide. In Toronto, the number of lithium-ion battery fires has nearly doubled in 2023, according to Toronto Fire Services. Typically, an EV fire burns at roughly 5,000 F (2,760 C), while a gasoline-powered vehicle on fire burns at 1,500 F (815 C). It takes about 2,000 gallons of water to extinguish a burning gasoline-powered vehicle; putting out an EV fire can take 10 times more.

"Solid-state batteries are the holy grail for EV companies," said Fenix chief executive officer Don Freschi. "They're far more efficient. Far safer. This is why our focus (Fenix/UBCO) has been on combining the most powerful anode and cathode materials like lithium, tellurium and sulphur, with a solid-state electrolyte."

"Toyota's announcement underscores our belief that solid-state batteries represent the future of wide-scale EV deployment," added Tyrone Docherty, First Tellurium's president and chief executive officer. "The advancements in efficiency and safety are game changers, especially with respect to batteries catching fire. This is why we continue to support Fenix as they bring their lithium-tellurium battery to market."

Toyota says its breakthrough batteries will hit the market in 2027 or 2028, giving its EVs 745 miles/1,200 kilometres of range -- greater than any gas-powered car today -- with 10-minute charging times. Toyota's longer-view plans include vehicles with a 932-mile/1,500-kilometre range and charging times of less than 10 minutes. In comparison, the bestselling EV today, the Tesla Model Y, has a maximum 330-mile range and 15-minute charging through the Tesla Supercharger.

The Fenix/UBCO collaboration, part of the Pacific Institute for Climate Change (PICS) Opportunity Projects Program, is helping researchers in UBCO's Advanced Materials for Energy Storage Lab design and develop the state-of-the-art LiTe SSBs. UBCO's latest published research is part of a $2-million initiative that includes Mitacs. The research investment strengthens Canada's position in emerging solid-state battery innovation and accelerates EV deployment and renewable energy opportunities, according to Dr. Jian Liu, an assistant professor in the School of Engineering.

"Advancements in solid-state batteries are propelling the EV industry forward," explained Dr. Liu. "All-solid-state, lithium-tellurium batteries enable higher energy output with an improved safety rating inside a smaller form factor, thereby expanding its possible applications."

"We're grateful to both Fenix and UBC for advancing this research, especially in relation to properties of tellurium that we're only beginning to understand," said Mr. Docherty. "We look forward to exciting news in 2024."

About First Tellurium Corp.

First Tellurium's unique business model is to generate revenue and value through mineral discovery, project development, project generation and co-operative access to untapped mineral regions in indigenous territory with sustainable exploration.

The company's Klondike tellurium-gold property in Colorado and polymetallic Deer Horn project in British Columbia anchor a diversified search for metals, working in alliance with indigenous peoples, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), governments and leading metal buyers. This is the future of mineral exploration -- generating revenue by exploring responsibly and leveraging diverse partnerships.

First Tellurium proudly adheres to and supports the principles and rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and, in particular, the fundamental proposition of free, prior and informed consent. First Tellurium is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol FTEL and on the OTC (over-the-counter) market under the symbol FSTTF.

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