‘Weightless’ Carbon Fiber Battery Could Be Exactly What EVs Need
Chalmers University of Technology from Sweden commence working on this technology which has now resulted in a startup called Sinonus.
Battery
A battery is the heart of electric cars and there is a need to learn about the technology behind it to understand the complete scope of EVs. This section deals with the latest advancements in battery technology.
Top 5 Carmakers Working On Solid-State Batteries For EVs – Toyota To BYD
There are some established, as well as new auto companies, that are focusing their resources on developing solid-state batteries. I have compiled a list of the top 5 most prominent auto giants/conglomerates that are developing solid-state batteries for their EVs. Many car manufacturers have either set up connections with other conglomerates or battery companies or are developing new tech in-house. The route toward the future of electric mobility seems to go through solid-state battery technology. While there are dozens of new tech in the works in many parts of the world, solid-state batteries seem to be emerging as the most feasible and widely acceptable solution, at least in the immediate future. You might also like: CATL Unveils World’s First LFP Battery With a 1,000-km Range Top 5 Companies Developing Solid-State Batteries For EVs Toyota It is a well-known fact in the automobile industry that Toyota is the least bullish on complete electrification among all legacy carmakers in the world. Interestingly, it was among the first vehicle manufacturers to adopt a hybrid powertrain over 2 decades ago. It still believes in the power of hybrid cars, as well as hydrogen. Hence, it is not working aggressively toward stuffing its portfolios with pure EVs. But that is not to say that it has no plans of ever going in full throttle on EVs. It is developing a solid-state battery and has even released a timeline of when it plans to come out with it. It has joined hands with the petroleum giant, Idemitsu Kosan. The two players are set to unveil their first solid-state battery by 2026-27. The final aim is to create a battery with a 1,200 km (746 mi.) range. Nissan Next up, we have yet another Japanese auto giant on this list. Nissan has been investing heavily in its All-Solid-State Battery (ASSB) technology. The unique aspect about Nissan’s solid-state batteries is its approach to eliminate the need for cooling. While the existing EV batteries rely on air or liquid cooling methods, Nissan believes that solid-state cells can withstand higher temperatures without compromising safety or performance. It will collaborate with NASA and UC San Diego, incorporating AI techniques to address issues like lithium dendrite growth, ensuring the safety and durability of the solid-state cells. You might also like: StoreDot and Polestar Achieve 10-Minute Charging w/ Si-Dominant Cells Stellantis Now I understand that Nissan is also a part of Stellantis, but I am considering it separately since the conglomerate had announced a crucial partnership by investing in Factorial Energy which is headquartered in the U.S. in 2022. At the time, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said, “Stellantis is full-speed ahead on its electrification transformation with 33 electrified models available right now, and eight battery electric vehicles coming in the next 18 months.” Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang commented, “We continue to move aggressively towards our goal of delivering automotive-scale, solid-state battery technology to our customers.” Last month, Factorial signed an MoU with LG Chem for the development of solid-state battery technology. BYD and Nio with CATL It is nigh impossible to talk EVs without mentioning Chinese carmakers. We know that the Chinese automobile market drives the trajectory of the overall global auto industry. This is particularly true with electric cars. BYD is among the biggest EV makers on the planet. In fact, in the last quarter of last year, it even overtook Tesla as the highest-selling EV company on the planet. Nio is a Chinese luxury auto giant which offers incredibly tech-savvy vehicles to rival the premium carmakers from the West. Both these Chinese giants are working in tandem with CATL, the world’s largest EV battery company, to develop futuristic batteries. In February this year, CATL, BYD, Nio, CALB and some others announced a consortium to build a supply chain for solid-state batteries for their EVs by 2030. SAIC Finally, we have the Chinese conglomerate, SAIC, completing this list of top companies developing solid-state batteries for their EVs. It is one of China’s four largest carmakers. It owns SAIC Maxum, SAIC Volkswagen, MG, Baojun and Wuling. SAIC will introduce its first EV with a semi-solid-state battery, the IM L7, in October this year. The mass production of solid-state batteries for its EVs will commence from 2026 onwards. Interestingly, SAIC is not just working on solid-state batteries but on a full-stack technology solution for intelligent vehicles and a new platform with Audi for the Chinese market. Hence, it is one of those conglomerates which is quite close to introducing this tech to its upcoming mass-production electric cars. You might also like: Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries Learn Electric Cars Says As things stand at the moment, I believe solid-state batteries are slated to play an imperative role in shaping the future of electric mobility across the globe. This seems to be the case despite new battery tech emerging almost every other week. With the sheer level of R&D and partial applications already, these batteries satisfy most needs of modern EVs. These include things like affordability, reliability, safety, range, weight and more. I shall keep covering further developments in this space as more information surfaces.
CATL Unveils World’s First LFP Battery With a 1,000-km Range
At Auto China 2024, CATL unveiled the Shenxing PLUS battery which offers a range of 1,000 km (621 mi.) and 4C superfast charging capabilities. Chinese battery manufacturer and tech giant CATL has showcased its Shenxing PLUS LFP battery with an unprecedented 1,000 km (621 mi.) range. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) is the largest EV battery company in the world. It is constantly innovating new tech to improve the range and charging rates of electric car batteries. Its Shenxing battery was launched last year with a charging time of just 10 minutes for 400 km (248 mi.). You might also like: New CATL Batteries To Retain 80% Capacity After 12 Years New CATL Shenxing PLUS LFP Battery w/ 1,000 km Range The Shenxing PLUS is the next-generation model of last year’s battery which is now capable of recovering 600 km (373 mi.) of range in just 10 minutes. This is the result of 4C superfast charging capability. The constant innovation at CATL regarding various aspects of an EV battery is commendable. As a result of this, the Chinese EV battery giant is pushing the boundaries of what Li-ion batteries can achieve on a daily basis. Remember, the figures we are discussing here are according to CLTC parameters. Continuous technological breakthroughs enable the Shenxing PLUS to achieve an impressive 1,000-km pure electric range. These breakthroughs are driven by innovations in both materials and design. Granular gradation technology crafts the cathode, meticulously arranging nanoparticles to achieve an ultra-high compact density. Complementing this, proprietary 3D honeycomb-shaped material integrates into the anode, enhancing energy density while effectively managing volume expansion during charging and discharging. Notably, the single-piece casing, a pioneering feat in the industry, optimizes internal space utilization, pushing Shenxing PLUS cells to an unprecedented level of energy density. At the system level, the Shenxing PLUS battery pack employs a topologically optimized structure built upon module-free CTP 3.0 technology, resulting in a 7% increase in packing efficiency. Through these material and structural breakthroughs, the energy density of the Shenxing battery system shatters the 200 Wh/kg barrier, achieving an impressive 205 Wh/kg. This groundbreaking achievement makes ranges exceeding 1,000 km a tangible reality You might also like: StoreDot and Polestar Achieve 10-Minute Charging w/ Si-Dominant Cells 4C Superfast Charging The 4C superfast charging allows the 600-km range to replenish in a mere 10 minutes. For this, Shenxing PLUS applies technologies including fast lithium-ion conductive coating, the addition of transition metal elements, and new nanometer encapsulation, rendering smoother and more efficient energy transmission between cathode and anode materials. CATL has expanded the overcurrent area and capacity of the terminals in the battery system to rapidly dissipate heat during high-current charging. In terms of BMS core algorithms, CATL’s newly developed AI polarization model can predict and control the charging current in real time, enabling faster and smarter energy replenishment. You might also like: Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries Learn Electric Cars Says CATL already partners with some of the biggest car marques on the planet. These include BMW, Daimler AG, Hyundai, Honda, Li Auto, NIO, PSA, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and XPeng. It has been at the top in EV battery space for 7 consecutive years. Clearly, they are investing heavily in battery R&D. With incremental improvements in the already existing battery tech, the company continues to remain ahead of the curve. With so many large carmakers already using CATL batteries, the wide-scale impact of its new solutions can easily get translated into real cars rapidly. These are not one of those solutions which will take years to come to fruition. That is the best part about the new technologies from CATL. As a matter of fact, the Shenxing batteries developed last year are already in use in EVs at the moment. That is a positive sign going forward. We shall have to watch out for which new cars utilize this new LFP battery from CATL.
StoreDot and Polestar Achieve 10-Minute Charging w/ Si-Dominant Cells
Israeli tech company, StoreDot, has run a successful experiment of installing a 77 kWh battery in a drivable Polestar 5 prototype and charging it from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes. StoreDot and Polestar have successfully completed an Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) experiment by achieving a 10-min charging time for 10% to 80%. The official press release confirms that the 77 kWh battery was charged at over 310 kW for the entire test procedure with the peak in excess of 370 kW. The silicon-dominant battery cells (300 Wh/kg) were installed in a fully drivable Polestar 5 prototype. All cell parameters including temperature, voltage and charged capacity were monitored throughout. You might also like: Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries StoreDot and Polestar Achieve 10-Min Charging Tech The new test showed that an electric car can now charge in just 10 minutes using special batteries with the use of silicon. This fast charging can make people less worried about running out of power and encourage more people to use electric cars. These new batteries with silicon can store more energy and charge faster than the ones with graphite, which are used in most batteries now. The ones with graphite are almost as good as they can get, but the ones with silicon still have room to improve in the future. The company has chalked out a roadmap to production via its ‘100inX’ strategy. This represents 100 miles (161 km) of charge in X minutes. This X is 5 minutes for the 2024 production model (300 Wh/kg), 4 minutes for 2026 (340 Wh/kg), 3 minutes for 2028 (400 Wh/kg) and 2 minutes for 2032 (500 Wh/kg). Other upcoming milestones include shipping prismatic B-samples to OEMs and signing strategic manufacturing agreements. You might also like: Top 3 Potential Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs CEOs’ Commentary On this occasion, Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot said, “We are very excited to share this impressive achievement today and are proud to be on this journey with Polestar, a leading car brand who envisions high performance cars with a sustainable future. We’re happy to see our partner is among the first EV car makers to acknowledge that XFC is now a necessary standard to make vast EV adoption a reality. With our extreme fast charging technology, you can add 200 miles in under 10 minutes. This breakthrough revolutionizes EV ownership experience by eradicating the barrier of range and charging anxiety once and for all. Drivers can now truly travel long distances with the same freedom and convenience as traditional petrol-powered vehicles.” Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar commented, “By eliminating charging times that were previously an obstacle, StoreDot’s XFC battery cells combined with our cutting-edge product development and battery engineering have unlocked new frontiers for electric mobility. This technology will reshape consumer expectations and accelerate mass EV adoption by making EV ownership a seamless experience for the mass market.” You might also like: Lithium-Sulphur Batteries For EVs Promise 5-Min Charging Time Learn Electric Cars Says EV battery technology is experiencing rapid and exponential innovation. Extensive R&D is going on in this field from established legacy players, as well as new startups from all across the globe. That is the reason why we are witnessing new breakthroughs almost every week. While it might seem too complicated at the moment, I feel this is the only way to scout through the heaps of new options available in the future. It is only natural that only a few robust companies will survive going forward. In any case, the potential EV owners stand to benefit from this large-scale innovation. We are observing some common signs to create the ideal EV battery solution for the future. Companies are experimenting with new cell chemistries, enhanced battery management systems, efficient cooling mechanisms, etc., to ensure low weight, high range, high energy density and fast charging rates. These are the most important factors when making EV batteries. Achieving balance among these aspects is a tricky process, which will need a lot of innovation and investment. That is where the future lies. We shall keep an eye out for more such tech products in times to come. Also, let us see when this StoreDot battery makes it into the first production EV.
Stellantis CEO Aims To Cut EV Battery Weight By Half
The size and weight of EV batteries have been a topic of debate and contention since the inception of electric cars. Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, wishes to reduce the weight of the EV battery packs by half over the next decade. Now, we know that the EV battery constitutes a major chunk of the overall mass of a vehicle. In EVs, the entire bottom part of the car comprises of the battery. In fact, in some formations like cell-to-body, the top layer of the cell container forms the floor of the EV. The higher the number of cells in an EV battery, the higher its range. But so is the weight of the vehicle. You might also like: Top 3 Potential Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs Stellantis CEO Aims To Cut EV Battery Weight At the recent Stellantis Freedom of Mobility Forum, Carlos Tavares expressed his concerns regarding the excessive weight of EV batteries. He said, “From an environmental standpoint … I don’t think it makes sense [to have such heavy battery packs]. I think over the next decade we’ll be able to reduce the battery pack weight by 50%, hence reducing by 50% the use of additional raw materials against a conventional vehicle.” This conversation was a part of his interview with Reuters. Furthermore, he added that the existing EV batteries with a range of around 250 miles (400 km) need approximately 500 kg (~1,100 lbs) of additional raw materials over conventional ICE cars. That is an alarming figure with regard to the environment. With the ongoing R&D in the EV battery technology, the batteries will become more efficient which will, in turn, reduce the weight to offer a similar range. Stellantis’ EV Plans Interestingly, the Stellantis CEO didn’t mention any specific way to reduce the weight of the battery by half. Still, it hopes that 100% of sales in Europe will be for all-electric vehicles by 2030. By this time, the conglomerate also estimates that 50% of its sales in the USA will be for BEVs. To put this into concrete numbers, Stellantis aims to sell 5 million BEVs annually by 2030. To achieve this ambitious target, it will have introduced more than 75 BEVs by 2030. These EVs will make use of 4 vehicle platforms under the SLTA architecture – Small, Medium, Large and Frame. The latter will be a body-on-frame platform for hardcore electric off-roading SUVs. Moreover, it will incorporate 3 drive modules, 2 battery cell chemistries, front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations. Its electric cars will possess a range between 500 km and 800 km (300 miles to 500 miles). Hence, depending on the market and customer preferences, Stellantis will have all sorts of combinations to cater to the demands. You might also like: Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries Learn Electric Cars Says We know that batteries form the most critical component of an EV. This is true for the contribution in the weight of an electric car, as well as the price. That is also the reason why most legacy carmakers and new startups are investing heavily in EV battery technology. In fact, we have reported so many innovative techniques to maximize range and improve the safety and durability of EV batteries without increasing the price too steeply. We are certain that in the coming years, the weight and prices of EV batteries will go down, while the range and efficiency will rise.
Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries
The two companies have signed an agreement toward the supply of cylindrical automotive Li-ion batteries. Mazda and Panasonic Energy entered into an agreement to supply EV batteries consisting of cylindrical cells. In June 2023, the two companies commenced discussions toward building a medium-to-long-term partnership for the supply of cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries. More details about the exact route they will adopt, timeframe, investment, etc., will be announced later. For now, let us take a look at the salient features of cylindrical cells in EV batteries. You might also like: Top 3 Potential Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs Cylindrical Cells in EV Batteries There are primarily three types of cells which find application in the automotive world – Prismatic, Cylindrical and Pouch. In recent years, the former two have found the widest application. Prismatic Cell A prismatic cell refers to a cell with its chemistry contained within a rigid casing. Its rectangular shape allows for efficient stacking of multiple units in a battery module. Prismatic cells come in two types – those with electrode sheets (anode, separator, cathode) stacked within the casing, and those with the electrode sheets rolled and flattened. In terms of performance, stacked prismatic cells, for the same volume, can release more energy at once, providing superior performance. On the other hand, flattened prismatic cells contain more energy, offering increased durability. Primarily utilized in energy storage systems and electric vehicles, prismatic cells are less suitable for smaller devices like e-bikes and cellphones due to their larger size. Hence, they are better suited for applications requiring higher energy consumption. You might also like: Lithium-Sulphur Batteries For EVs Promise 5-Min Charging Time Cylindrical Cell A cylindrical cell refers to a cell enclosed within a rigid cylinder casing. These cells are characterized by their small, round shape, allowing them to be stacked in devices of varying sizes. Unlike other battery formats, the cylindrical shape of these cells prevents swelling, a phenomenon where gases accumulate within the casing. Initially, cylindrical cells found application in laptops, typically comprising between three and nine cells. Their popularity surged when Tesla incorporated them into its earliest electric vehicles, such as the Roadster and the Model S, which housed between 6,000 and 9,000 cells. The famed 4680 is a type of cylindrical battery. You might also like: New CATL Batteries To Retain 80% Capacity After 12 Years Learn Electric Cars Says While it is difficult to set a standard in the diversified electric mobility industry just yet, it looks like the cylindrical and prismatic cells could be the long-term solutions. In fact, more battery companies are increasingly exploring the advantages associated with cylindrical cells lately. In addition to Panasonic, even the Korean battery giant, LG Energy Solution is working on 4680 cells and the production will commence at its Ochang plant in South Korea in August 2024. Even though it might be too early to call, the cylindrical cells in EV batteries seem to be winning the race at the moment.
Top 3 Potential Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs
In a world where new EV battery tech is being developed almost every other day, it seems like Lithium-ion chemistry might not be the only way forward. As the R&D in EV battery technology progresses, we might soon get acquainted with the alternatives to Lithium-ion batteries for EVs. In fact, in small volumes, there are already some of these alternatives being used. However, to have either of these on a commercially large scale is still distant. In any case, this opens up new avenues to explore to tackle the shortcomings of Lithium-ion batteries. You might also like: New CATL Batteries To Retain 80% Capacity After 12 Years Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs Carmakers have been using Lithium-ion batteries in EVs on a large scale for a good part of a decade now. Its advantages include high energy density, decent safety, great affordability, long battery lifespan, power, etc. In fact, a typical Li-ion battery has an energy density of 150-220 Wh/kg. But its cons will come to the surface in times to come. This includes dependence on rare earth minerals like Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NMC), water and resource-intensive mining processes and complexity during recycling. Hence, researchers are looking for alternatives. Among others, the most promising options are the following: Sodium-Ion Batteries One of the most promising types of chemistry which could replace Li-ion is Sodium-ion. There are specific reasons for this. In contrast to Lithium which only has limited reserves and the mining process is resource-intensive, Sodium is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust. To put things into perspective, the Sodium-to-Lithium ratio in Earth’s crust is 23,600 parts per million (ppm) to 20 ppm. Even the cost of extraction is substantially lower. Manufacturing-wise, these batteries can be produced at the same facilities and production lines as the existing Li-ion batteries. Hence, the scalability can be rapid. Moreover, Sodium possesses the ability to be stored and transported at zero volts. This results in massive safety promises. It is also low flammable, further enhancing its safety aspects. One of the downsides, however, is the low energy density – 140-160 Wh/kg. This reduces the range of EVs, which is a big obstacle in its mass adoption. Secondly, a typical Li-ion battery has a lifespan of around 8,000-10,000 charging cycles. But Sodium-ion batteries are only able to achieve around 5,000. Nevertheless, research is going on to tackle these issues in various parts of the world. You might also like: Next-Gen EV Batteries From Korean Giants Unveiled At InterBattery 2024 Solid State Batteries Solid-state batteries offer several advantages over traditional batteries. By using solid electrolytes, they mitigate the risk of dendrite formation, enhancing battery longevity. Furthermore, their reduced flammability improves safety, while their higher energy density and faster charging cycles provide superior performance. However, challenges exist, including scalability issues compared to sodium batteries, which are lower in cost and easier to integrate into existing production infrastructure. Manufacturing costs for solid-state batteries are presently higher than lithium-ion batteries, hindering widespread adoption. To propel solid battery technology, durable solid-state electrolytes must be developed, although the ideal electrolyte remains elusive. Nonetheless, companies like Solid Power are making strides, boasting a sulfide electrolyte-based battery with significantly higher energy density than lithium-ion alternatives. Solid Power aims to power 800,000 electric vehicles annually by 2028 with its solid-state technology. While solid-state batteries are commercially available for small-scale applications like wearable electronics, IoT devices, and medical implants, they are not yet suitable for large-scale energy storage. Shirley Meng emphasizes the need for realism, asserting that while viable for IoT and wearables, solid-state batteries must scale to produce terawatt hours of energy to truly impact the energy transition. You might also like: Are EVs With 1000 km Range Still A Distant Reality? Lithium-Sulphur Batteries As the name suggests, these batteries still use some Lithium. But because Sulphur is used instead of NMC, it is more abundantly available in the earth’s core and is less resource-intensive to extract. Apart from that, Sulphur is also a by-product of natural gas processing and oil refining. Till the time this process continues, there won’t be any shortage of Sulphur. The resemblance with Li-ion batteries ensures that their production is easy and scalable using the same manufacturing plants and processes. These are also considerably more energy-dense in comparison to regular Li-ion batteries. On the other end of the spectrum, there are some peculiar disadvantages which prevent commercialization at the moment. These include poor chargeability which leads to the formation of tree-like structures called dendrites. They can cause short circuits and battery failure. Also, the prototypes have just been able to work for 50 charge cycles, rendering them useless to power EVs. Interestingly, Lithium-Sulphur batteries already exist in the mass market in products like electronic gadgets and wearables. You might also like: Nyobolt Battery Can Charge Fully In Just 6 Minutes Learn Electric Cars Says The EV revolution has reached an intriguing point in its journey. In developed markets like the USA and China, the demand has slowed down. On the other hand, there are still some prominent markets where the transition is still at a much nascent stage but the demand and sales are exponential. These would be countries like India, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, etc. In the meantime, there are new breakthroughs in EV battery technology on a daily basis. This constant development is not going to stop anytime soon. Therefore, at this point, we can infer that there will probably be no single silver bullet. Multiple batteries and technologies would co-exist depending on the use cases. That’s why it is prudent to learn about all the new EV battery types that have a shot of making it to the mass market as alternatives to Lithium-ion batteries for EVs.
Lithium-Sulphur Batteries For EVs Promise 5-Min Charging Time
Another day, another potentially ground-breaking EV battery technology! According to a research paper published in Nature Nanotechnology by University of Adelaide researchers, the next-gen Lithium-Sulphur batteries for EVs can be charged in less than 5 minutes. In this type of battery construction, Sulphur cathodes are used due to high energy density and Sulphur’s abundant availability. It can find applications in electronic devices including electric vehicles, as well as power grids. You might also like: New CATL Batteries To Retain 80% Capacity After 12 Years Lithium-Sulphur Batteries For EVs The research paper confirms that the energy density of Lithium-Sulphur batteries is around 550 Wh/kg. This is more than twice what the existing Lithium-ion batteries offer (around 150-200 Wh/kg). Hence, the range of EVs could benefit from using this type of battery exponentially. Note that high-powered Lithium-Sulphur batteries are already being used in mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles. However, the biggest challenge is the charge-discharge time. It could range anywhere between 1 hour and 10 hours. This is where the breakthrough has been achieved. The researchers analysed the Sulphur reduction reaction which dictates the charge-discharge rate of Lithium-Sulphur batteries. They investigated various carbon-based transition metal electrocatalysts, including iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc during the SRR. The team designed a nanocomposite electrocatalyst made up of clusters of carbon material and cobalt-zinc (CoZn). Senior Author Professor Qiao said, “When the electrocatalyst CoZn is used in lithium-sulphur batteries, the resulting battery achieves an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Our research shows a significant advancement, enabling lithium-sulphur batteries to achieve full charge-discharge in less than 5 minutes.” This study aims to tackle the problem of these batteries’ slow charge-discharge rates for the first time ever. You might also like: EVs To Be Cheaper To Produce Than Gas Cars By 2027 – Study Learn Electric Cars Says The lower-than-anticipated growth and demand for EVs call for a breakthrough technology to reinstate the trust of the masses in EVs. While there are myriad challenges associated with the mass adoption of electric cars, charging times and infrastructure are among the biggest ones. Hence, if that is resolved, the chances of people opting for EVs will surge significantly. We know that there are potentially transformative technologies being incepted relatively frequently. As industry professionals, we wish to stay updated with all of these. We don’t know which one(s) will emerge triumphant in times to come. It goes without saying that we might see multiple technologies for various markets depending on topography, demand, infrastructure, climatic conditions and affordability.
New CATL Batteries To Retain 80% Capacity After 12 Years
Chinese battery giant CATL and NIO have collaborated to work on new technology that will allow EV batteries to still possess 80% of capacity after 12 years of usage. As per the latest partnership with NIO and CATL, new batteries are being developed with substantially longer lifespans than the existing ones. Battery forms the single most expensive component of an electric car. In most cases, this is around 40% of the total cost of an EV. Moreover, Lithium-ion batteries have a tendency to lose capacity after usage. Hence, most carmakers offer a warranty of around 8 years. Thereafter, the battery replacement costs become a huge issue for EV owners. In order to ensure that the batteries last at least as long as the car (or approximately 10-12 years), Chinese battery giant CATL and NIO have established a partnership. They will co-develop a battery which will be able to retain 80% of its capacity even after 12 years of application. You might also like: EVs To Be Cheaper To Produce Than Gas Cars By 2027 – Study New EV Batteries From CATL and NIO NIO has created a pioneering system for keeping electric car batteries healthy. This system looks after three key factors that affect how long batteries last – temperature, how hard they’re used, and how often they’re charged. By using clever technology and a special way of swapping batteries, NIO has made sure these batteries can last a long time. Thanks to smart planning based on lots of data, NIO’s batteries can keep about 80% of their power even after being used for 12 years. Plus, NIO has worked hard to make batteries that last longer. They’ve studied the materials that make up batteries, like the stuff inside the battery that helps it work, and the liquid it’s filled with. This research has led to better batteries. NIO has become really good at all stages of creating batteries, from making the materials to testing them out. They’ve even got over a thousand patents for their technology. More than a hundred of them focus on making batteries last longer. You might also like: Next-Gen EV Batteries From Korean Giants Unveiled At InterBattery 2024 New Technology By CATL CATL and NIO also believe that between 2025 and 2030, there will be around 20 million electric vehicles which will come out of the warranty period. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the vehicles won’t be in an unusable condition. But the owners will have to shell out a bomb to replace the batteries. To tackle, that CATL has been working on innovative methods to prolong the lifecycle of EV batteries to upto 12-15 years. CATL has created new technology to make battery packs last longer. They’ve invented things like a special Solid Electrolyte Interphase film that can fix itself and add more lithium to batteries. By working together, the companies aim to build a partnership that benefits them both in the long run. These batteries will complement NIO’s battery-swapping business immensely. You might also like: Are EVs With 1000 km Range Still A Distant Reality? Learn Electric Cars Says We are still, essentially, in the first leg of the EV revolution when it comes to battery replacement. The mass-market EV sales only commenced a good couple of years ago. Hence, in the next 5-6 years, we will have millions of cases of battery replacements as the EVs run out of OEM warranty. That will be yet another major hurdle for electric cars to overcome in order to get the trust of potential EV buyers. Therefore, if there is a major breakthrough in this regard prior to that, the entire perception about EVs might change. We can only wait and see how things transpire in this case.
Next-Gen EV Batteries From Korean Giants To Be Unveiled At InterBattery 2024
While we always keep talking about revolutionary ideas when it comes to EV batteries, it is intriguing to witness what the industry giants are planning to power future mobility. Some of the world’s biggest Korean electronics companies will demonstrate their next-gen EV batteries at the InterBattery 2024 exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. The event will occur between March 6 and March 8, 2024. The annual trade show attracts top battery players from across the world to showcase their future concepts and the latest technologies to transform the electric car domain. In fact, a total of around 580 companies will present their technologies at this event. It will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Battery Industry Association. The three top Korean companies we will discuss are LG, SK and Samsung. They will display their innovative work in CTP (Cell-to-Pack), faster-charging batteries and solid-state batter production domains, respectively. You might also like: 1,300 hp BYD YANGWANG U9 Is Ready To Redefine Electric Supercar Segment Next-Gen EV Batteries At InterBattery 2024 LG Energy Solution Ltd. LG Energy, the world’s third-largest EV battery maker, is set to unveil its cell-to-pack (CTP) design, which integrates individual battery cells directly into battery packs, reducing costs and improving energy density. This technology, currently in the spotlight in the EV battery sector, enhances battery stiffness, stability, and heat transfer prevention while streamlining manufacturing processes and reducing parts. LG Energy plans to introduce an advanced battery management system (BMS) at the event, managing battery life cycles and providing safety diagnostics and state estimation software. The system also includes cloud services and solutions for future mobility. During the exhibition, LG Energy will showcase Isuzu Motors Ltd.’s first electric commercial vehicle equipped with its batteries and BMS. The unveiling underscores LG Energy’s commitment to innovation in the EV battery sector, aiming to address cost, energy density, and manufacturing efficiency challenges. You might also like: EV Makers Reconsidering Their Ambitious Plans, Was Toyota Right All Along? SK Innovation Co. SK On, the fifth-largest battery maker globally and a subsidiary of SK Innovation Co., is set to unveil innovative battery technologies at an upcoming event. They will showcase fast-charging batteries and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) models designed for cold weather conditions. The upgraded version of their Super Fast (SF) Battery offers a 9% increase in energy density while maintaining rapid charging capabilities. Additionally, they plan to introduce the SF+ Battery, promising a 15-minute charge time. SK On will also present an LFP battery with enhanced performance in cold climates, featuring a 19% increase in energy density compared to existing models, resulting in improved charging and discharging capacities. Moreover, the company will highlight advancements in cathode active materials manufacturing, including water-free methods and chemistry diversification strategies. They will also introduce their first energy storage system (ESS). These innovations reflect SK On’s commitment to addressing challenges in battery technology, such as charging speed, energy density, and performance in extreme weather conditions. You might also like: Are EVs With 1000 km Range Still A Distant Reality? Samsung SDI Samsung SDI is preparing to announce its timelines for mass-producing solid-state batteries, a revolutionary advancement in the EV sector, while revealing blueprints for batteries of the sixth generation and beyond. These solid-state batteries are heralded as “dream batteries” due to their superior safety and higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion models, prompting significant interest and investment in their development across the global cell industry. As the seventh-largest battery manufacturer worldwide, Samsung SDI is ready to present comprehensive integrated energy storage system (ESS) solutions and ESS modules tailored for household use. Additionally, it will showcase a diverse range of cylindrical batteries featuring various specifications. You might also like: 1,300 hp BYD YANGWANG U9 Is Ready To Redefine Electric Supercar Segment Learn Electric Cars Says Now, these players contribute significantly toward the global EVs. Hence, when these introduce new technologies, the entire ecosystem will benefit from them. In general, the companies are focusing on making energy-dense EV batteries without adding too much weight, fast charging times, more efficient BMS and better packaging. All these are crucial aspects of EV battery development. We shall keep an eye out for more such developments in this field.