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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.

Polestar 5 and StoreDot 10-minute Extreme Fast Charging Technology

StoreDot and Polestar Achieve 10-Minute Charging w/ Si-Dominant Cells

9 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

Failure Rate of Modern EV Batteries is 0.1% – Study

8 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

An interesting study showcases how the EV battery failure rates have declined from 2011 to 2023. The health startup Recurrent published a study which encompasses the failure rate of modern EV batteries. This study was titled New Study: How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last? The findings of this study were documented in a report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. This survey took data from around 15,000 rechargeable vehicles between 2011 and 2023. The outcome was quite surprising. You might also like: IEA Report Forecasts EV Sales Could Hit 17 Million in 2024 Failure Rate of Modern EV Batteries Now, we all know that the number of plug-in electric cars (PHEVs and BEVs) was little in the initial five years (2011 – 2015) and the battery technology was still taking shape. While there is still a long way to go, we are at a lot better and technologically advanced stage today, in comparison. Hence, the EV battery failure rate was a whopping 7.5% in 2011 and 1.6% in 2015. These stats don’t include the recalls. Things changed for the better post-2016. Advanced technologies like active liquid battery cooling, more sophisticated thermal management systems and new battery chemistries have emerged. That becomes visible from the battery failure rate in 2016, which was just 0.3%. Furthermore, this number went even lower to 0.1% in 2017. Hence, one could think of the time post-2016 as the second life for EV battery technology. The stats have danced around 0.1% to 0.5% from 2016 to 2023. This translates to – 1 in every 1,000 EV batteries could encounter failure. That is quite a healthy rate. However, it must be pondered whether the EV industry becomes successful in bringing this down even more by 2030 with the intense R&D work going on in battery tech and EV battery cell chemistry. You might also like: Tesla Cars Cheapest To Maintain, Land Rover Most Expensive Learn Electric Cars Says As the sales of electric cars rise exponentially across the globe, issues pertaining to EV battery failure become more prominent. In general, the EV batteries are considered safe. Sure, there have been a few fire cases in EV batteries. But the safety, maintenance costs and environmental factors are largely in favour of EVs. We must also mention that data will become more readily available as the existing EVs age and electric cars become mainstream in the next few years.

Mazda Panasonic Cylindrical EV Batteries Agreement

Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries

10 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

Alternatives to Lithium-Ion EV Batteries

Top 3 Potential Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs

11 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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 5 Minutes Charging Time

Lithium-Sulphur Batteries For EVs Promise 5-Min Charging Time

12 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

Canada and Australia EV Battery Tech Deal

Canada And Australia Join Hands To Tackle China In EV Battery Tech

8 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

We are aware of the dominance of China when it comes to raw materials, manufacturing and rare minerals and elements required to produce EV batteries. In a bid to tackle the Chinese influence on EV battery tech, Canada and Australia have teamed up. These countries promise to work together to develop key minerals in a ‘clean’ and ‘fair’ manner. Canada and Australia have signed an agreement to collaborate on developing minerals essential for the transition to clean energy, aiming to reduce reliance on China for raw materials and strengthen ties with more cooperative nations. You might also like: 1,300 hp BYD YANGWANG U9 Is Ready To Redefine Electric Supercar Segment Canada And Australia Join Hands To Develop EV Battery Tech The non-binding agreement signifies that the two countries will collaborate to responsibly extract these minerals, enhance transparency, foster partnerships, engage in joint research and development initiatives, and exchange models for industry growth. These details come from a report by Financial Post. Canada aims to establish a battery industry, anticipating a global transition away from fossil fuels over the next three decades. Given that batteries rely on minerals like lithium, nickel, and graphite, the government has sought to bolster its mining sector in recent years. You might also like: Study Shows EVs Can Be More Cost-Effective Than ICE Cars In Some Locations Canadian Policy In 2022 In 2022, Canada implemented a policy aimed at making it more challenging for foreign companies, particularly those from “non-like-minded” nations, to acquire stakes in Canadian mining companies involved in producing critical minerals. As part of this policy, three Chinese companies were instructed to divest their shares from three Canadian lithium companies. Despite this policy, some Canadian junior miners have entered into agreements with Chinese companies over the past year. For example, Montreal-based SRG Mining Inc. agreed to sell 19.4% of its company to Carbon One New Energy Group Co. Ltd. Vancouver-based Solaris Resources Inc. struck a deal with Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. to receive $130 million through a private placement of common shares. Additionally, Vancouver-based Osino Resources Corp. agreed to be acquired by Yintai Gold Co. Ltd. for $368 million. You might also like: Next-Gen EV Batteries From Korean Giants To Be Unveiled At InterBattery 2024 Approval Of Federal Government Needed The completion of all three agreements will be contingent upon approval from the federal government under the Investment Canada Act. Canadian operations see significant involvement from Australian miners. For instance, North American Lithium Inc., the primary lithium producer in Canada, is owned by Sayona Mining Ltd. and Piedmont Lithium Inc., both of which are listed in Australia. In 2022, Perth-based Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd., led by Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest, acquired Canadian junior miner Noront Resources Ltd. Wyloo is aiming to establish a nickel mine in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region. Melbourne-based BHP Group Ltd. has committed to investing $14 billion in Saskatchewan to develop one of the world’s largest potash mines. Meanwhile, another Australian mining powerhouse, Rio Tinto Ltd., entered a memorandum of understanding with Canada last year to explore opportunities for the company to contribute to the country’s low-carbon battery industry over the next decade. You might also like: Are EVs With 1000 km Range Still A Distant Reality? Learn Electric Cars Says Such initiatives will not only help countries like Canada and Australia but the entire world as most nations are looking to reduce their dependence on China to source raw materials needed for EV batteries. Hence, it is not just these two countries, but a lot of other large economies trying to set up all the technology needed to manufacture EV batteries in-house. At present, China holds and manufactures a large reserve of materials needed to manufacture Lithium-ion batteries not just for EVs, but for other electronic gadgets too. As global economies focus on self-sustenance going forward, we are likely to see more such cooperations between ‘like-minded’ countries.

Korean EV Batteries at InterBattery 2024

Next-Gen EV Batteries From Korean Giants To Be Unveiled At InterBattery 2024

6 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

5 Helpful Tips To Maximize EV Range In Winter And Snow

6 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

Driving EVs in snowy winters can be immensely challenging. Therefore, it is great to know a few tricks and tips to ensure minimal impact of the cold on your EVs. In this blog post, we shall offer 5 crucial tips to maximize your EV range during winter and snow. Driving an EV can be worrisome anyway due to the lack of adequate charging infrastructure and range anxiety. However, things exacerbate further during the peak winter season when the temperatures drop significantly below 0 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, all Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. You would’ve noticed this with your smartphones and laptops too. As a result, EVs tend to offer considerably lower range on a single charge during adverse weather conditions. Still, there are a few measures that EV owners could adopt in order to minimize the impact of snow or extremely low temperatures on their EVs. You might also like: Study Shows EVs Can Be More Cost-Effective Than ICE Cars In Some Locations 5 Tips To Maximize EV Range In Winter & Snow Preheat Battery One of the most effective methods to tackle the issue of low range during winter conditions is to pre-heat the battery. Some modern cars come with a heat pump which ensures that the temperature of the battery remains in an optimal range. Also, while the electric car is plugged in, the battery of the car gets in a perfect temperature range even before the owner commences the drive. In that way, the battery won’t draw additional power to do this task of maintaining its optimal temperature. AC Temperature Yet another way to reduce the power consumption of the EV battery during harsh cold is to use the heat produced by the car to warm the cabin. Most people crank up the blower to the maximum in order to heat the cabin space. However, a slightly more nuanced and prudent technique is to use heated seats and steering wheel to keep yourself warm. That will consume much less power from the battery, in turn maximizing the range. Obviously, your EV needs to have this function from the factory. You might also like: 1,300 hp BYD YANGWANG U9 Is Ready To Redefine Electric Supercar Segment Tires A significantly underrated aspect while calculating the range of EVs is the tires. In fact, we feel that car owners don’t pay enough attention to tires in general. In the case of snow or harsh winter conditions, generally, the tire pressure drops. That leads to a situation where higher power is needed to move the car. Hence, more battery is consumed in the process. Therefore, you must ensure that the tire pressure in your car is appropriate at all times. Also, it helps to use dedicated snow tires. Speed Unlike ICE cars where high speed means high engine efficiency, the range of EVs deteriorates exponentially as the speed increases. This is due to higher wind resistance and drag coefficient. The battery gets depleted at a higher rate at high vehicle speeds. Therefore, driving at moderate speeds can boost the overall range of EVs substantially on a single charge. Eco Mode Finally, if your EV comes with drive modes, it is advisable to use Eco mode to maximize range. In peak winters or snowy conditions, you wouldn’t want exquisite performance and high-speed scenarios with your EVs anyway. Therefore, switching to Eco mode will limit the power produced by an EV, in turn, saving the battery from getting empty quickly. Hence, it is a great way to use the drive modes in an EV. You might also like: EV Makers Reconsidering Their Ambitious Plans, Was Toyota Right All Along? Learn Electric Cars Says Extremely low temperatures slow down the reaction inside an EV battery. That is the reason why charging EVs becomes extremely slow, while the battery loses range rapidly. There are many parts of the world where the temperatures get way below 0 degrees Celsius. Arguably, the most prominent market is Norway where around 82% of total EV sales in 2023 were electric cars. Norway experiences one of the harshest winters in the world. Still, due to the aforementioned practices, they are able to navigate their way to ensure that using EVs remains practical and feasible. Hence, it is possible to use EVs effectively even in harsh winters with proper planning.

Are EVs With 1000 km Range Still A Distant Reality?

12 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

With quick advancements in EV technology, companies are coming up with batteries that can potentially provide a range of around 1,000 km on a single charge. With innovative and rapid development in EV battery technology, EVs with around 1000 km of range look promising and enticing. However, many naysayers argue that you don’t need EVs with such high range due to the battery weight and size concerns. Also, large batteries would require more time to charge. That will add to the already bleak charging infrastructure. But what if there are ways of just increasing the range of EVs without increasing their battery size? You might also like: Nyobolt Battery Can Charge Fully In Just 6 Minutes EVs With 1000 km Range Possible? Scientists at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea have developed a new technology. It involves using micro-silicon particles and a gel-based electrolyte to enhance the ability of lithium-ion batteries to retain charge for longer periods. Now we know that researchers have been working on silicon to replace graphite for the higher charge capacity of the batteries for a while now. However, the property of nano-scale silicon to expand while charging and discharging has been its typical limitation. To address that, the POSTECH scientists have come up with micro-scale silicon. This, in conjunction with an elastic gel electrolyte, will solve that problem. Inherently, silicon can hold 10 times more lithium ions than graphite. That lends a high battery capacity, in turn increasing the range significantly. Additionally, it prevents the rapid degradation of the battery. In fact, scientists noted that the micro-silicon particles allow a range of 965 km on a single charge. Soojin Park co-authored the research paper and is a professor of Chemistry at POSTECH. He said, “We used a micro-silicone anode, yet we have a stable battery. This research brings us closer to a real high-energy-density lithium-ion battery system.” However, the production process of such micro-scale silicon anodes will be much more complex and expensive. You might also like: How Is Formula E Helping Legacy Carmakers Build Better EV Technologies Learn Electric Cars Says We come across many technological breakthroughs due to so much investments and work being done in EV technology and R&D. This applies mostly to developing new EV battery technologies to ensure long range, short charging times and reducing the use of rare earth elements. We know that not all technologies will survive but we are at a stage where we need to explore all avenues before finally deciding on a handful of methods. That will take years and could be different for difference markets/regions across the globe. We understand that there won’t be a silver bullet anytime soon. Still, as automobile enthusiasts, it is exciting to stay in touch with all that’s happening in this space and be a part of the transformation which will shape and power future mobility.

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