Battery

With each passing year, we witness an immense advancement in EV battery technology and this is a prime example of it. UK-based Nyobolt has come up with an EV battery which can charge fully in a mere 6 minutes. This ultra-fast-charging breakthrough can transform the electric vehicle industry. Such charging speeds are significantly faster than any other technology out there. With lightning-fast charging times, EVs can do with smaller battery packs, in turn, reducing the weight and rare materials used to create those batteries. That is the premise on which this technology is based. You may also like: How Is Formula E Helping Legacy Carmakers Build Better EV Technologies Nyobolt Battery Can Charge Fully In 6 Mins These days, we are encountering large EVs with massive batteries to generate appropriate performance and range. To tackle that, efficiency is at the top of most carmakers’ priority list. That is where the Nyobolt battery comes into the picture. This is a 35 kWh battery pack which offers a range of upto 250 km. It may seem low but if will take just 6 minutes to charge this battery using a 350 kW DC fast charger, EV owners won’t feel range anxiety. Nyobolt has designed this battery in collaboration with design and engineering business, CALLUM and renowned designer Julian Thomson. The latter was inspired by his design of the Lotus Elise. It is one of the most nimble and lightweight electric sportscars around. The Nyobolt battery has been tested for over 2,500 fast charge cycles (enough to cover over half a million kilometres) without significant loss in performance. Nyobolt batteries can also be made for large vehicles like buses or trucks once 1 MW chargers become available. Hence, the brand is future-ready. It will go into production from early 2024. You may also like: Silicone Anode Holds Immense Potential For Next-Gen EV Batteries Sai Shivareddy, CEO at Nyobolt, said, “Unlocking the challenges faced by electric vehicle designers has been key to the development of our breakthrough fast-charging batteries. Previously, enabling a light weight fast-charging vehicle was not possible without compromising its lifetime and so people have been relying on costly and large battery packs in the vehicle. With our unique technology we have achieved a six-minute charge car, and developed smaller battery packs that can deliver more power and charge in less time. “Our partnership with CALLUM shows how adoption of system-level technology innovations can transform the future of electric vehicles and increase accessibility of EVs, including to the 40% of UK households who can’t charge their vehicle at home overnight.” You may also like: How Do Heat Pumps Function In EVs? Learn Electric Cars Says We are perennially excited to discuss new EV technologies including electric car models and battery development. It is becoming undeniable that the future of mobility is electric. While it will take a significant time for mass adoption across the globe, the revolution is most certainly underway. With constant advancements in EV technologies, we will reach a point where range anxiety will be a thing of the past. Until then, we shall keep reporting new techniques to our readers.

With relentless innovation in the electric mobility space, we keep encountering new tech every day to tackle the common issues with EVs. The technology pertaining to using Silicone anode for EV batteries has been talked about for quite some time now. Admittedly, there have been a handful of new methods being experimented with, to boost the mass adoption of EVs. In a bid to achieve that, the existing ubiquitous challenges need addressing. These include range anxiety, charging times, battery longevity, and abundant availability of charging infrastructure. The first three things need innovation on the part of carmakers, while the last of these needs cooperation from governments and policymakers. All these aspects need to move together to accomplish the monumental task of transitioning to electric cars. The most prominent and feasible technology in recent times is the use of Silicon anode. Let us glance through the salient features, pros and cons of this technique. You might also like: Stellantis Invests In Affordable Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Silicone Anode In EV Batteries The batteries used in EVs at the moment contain graphite-based anode. Its job is to transfer Lithium ions between the cathode and anode during charging and discharging cycles. However, the issue with graphite is that 90% of the world’s total supply comes from China alone. This includes mining, extracting and refining. Hence, there is too much dependence on a single nation. That is understandably a problem. Additionally, silicone can hold upto 10 times more Lithium than graphite. Now it doesn’t translate to 10 times more efficiency because there are other factors involved. Still, Silicone will enhance the capabilities of Lithium-ion batteries significantly. Hence, the advantages of using a Silicone anode are evident and direct. You might also like: Toyota to Launch Solid-State Battery by 2027 – Here’s The Problem Cons Of Silicone Anode Even though there are massive pros to using it, there are a few downsides too. Due to a difficult combination of battery pulverization and buildup of wasteful byproducts, the carmakers can only integrate 5-10% silicone into anodes. During the process of constant expansion and contraction, the EV battery’s solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) layer becomes brittle and causes it to decay at a faster rate. Hence, the life cycle of the battery is reduced. You might also like: Potential and Challenges of Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Learn Electric Cars Says Lithium-ion batteries, featuring anodes infused with silicon nanoparticles, effectively alleviate the primary concerns that consumers have regarding the adoption of electric vehicles. These batteries extend the vehicle’s range significantly on a single charge, enable faster charging times, and boast a longer lifespan compared to the prevailing industry norm. This means that ordinary consumers can enjoy extended travel distances, faster recharge rates, and prolonged battery life, thus avoiding the inconvenience and expense of frequent battery replacements every few years. Let us see if this technology achieves large-scale commercialization to become the norm in times to come.

The conglomerate is certainly bullish about the potential of the sodium-ion battery technology to power future affordable EVs. Stellantis Ventures announces fresh investment and tie-up with Tiamat for the development of sodium-ion battery technology. Tiamat is a French company that works in developing and commercializing this battery technology. These batteries are prominent for offering a lower cost per kWh. Additionally, as the name suggests, it uses abundantly-available sodium, replacing lithium and cobalt for production. This enables enhanced sustainability and material sovereignty. You may also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? Stellantis Invests In Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Sodium ranks as the sixth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Notably, its proximity to Lithium on the periodic table results in nearly analogous properties to Lithium. The abundant availability of Sodium translates to a considerably lower cost compared to Lithium. Currently, the predominant obstacle to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles lies in their cost, apart from challenges related to charging infrastructure. Tiamat The French firm recently received the honour as one of 11 top-performing technology start-ups with the Stellantis Venture Awards in 2023. In fact, it boasts the title of being the first company in the world to have recently commercialized a sodium-ion technology in the electrified product, as per the official press release by Stellantis. Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer said, “Exploring new options for more sustainable and affordable batteries that use widely available raw materials is a key part of our ambitions of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan that will see us reach carbon net zero by 2038”. He added, “Our customers are asking for emissions-free vehicles that offer a combination of robust driving range, performance and affordability. This is our North Star, as Stellantis and its partners work today to develop ground-breaking technologies for the future.” You may also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Learn Electric Cars Says We have already reported the pros and cons of Sodium-ion batteries in one of our previous posts. It is definitely among one of the most compelling methods to reduce dependence on materials like Cobalt (its mining has ethical and humane challenges in Congo) and Nickel. Furthermore, there will never be a shortage of Sodium. Sure, a lot of work is required to make it energy-dense to be used in cars without compromising on performance. But with the passage of time and new investments, these obstacles can be overcome. Let us keep a close eye on further developments in this space.

As the automobile industry struggles to find solutions to enable mass adoption of EVs, battery swapping could emerge as a feasible method. In this article, we shall glance through the potential electric vehicle battery swapping possesses, along with the challenges it poses. The EV landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as the world seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Among the innovative solutions gaining traction is the concept of electric car battery swapping. It is a paradigm that offers unique advantages in the pursuit of widespread EV adoption. The conventional charging infrastructure, while effective, grapples with challenges such as extended charging times and limited accessibility, hindering the seamless integration of EVs into our daily lives. Battery swapping presents an alternative approach that holds the promise of overcoming these hurdles. It offers a potential solution to concerns surrounding range anxiety, charging time, and the overall convenience of electric vehicles. This article explores the potential benefits of electric car battery swapping, examining how this emerging technology could contribute to the acceleration of the electric mobility revolution. Moreover, it also addresses some of the key limitations currently associated with EVs. From enhanced user experience to addressing logistical and charging infrastructure challenges, the exploration of battery swapping unfolds as a promising avenue in the ongoing quest for a sustainable and accessible electric transportation future. You might also like: Best Methods and Challenges of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries You might also like: Nissan Sets Out to Revolutionize Its Solid-State Battery Technology Challenges of Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says Despite these challenges, some regions and companies are actively exploring and investing in battery swapping solutions. This is a part of a broader strategy to promote electric vehicle adoption and address charging infrastructure limitations. Overcoming these challenges will require collaboration between automakers, infrastructure providers, and policymakers to establish standardized and efficient systems.

With the advent of extensive R&D in EV battery technology, new methods are being developed to address safety issues pertaining to EVs. It is becoming a trend for companies to keep devising modern methods leveraging technology to make EV batteries safer. In the last few years, many cases of terrible incidents regarding electric cars have surfaced. Unfortunately, most of these highlight some sort of battery issue as the root cause. With reports suggesting around 100 million EVs on roads worldwide by 2030, it becomes crucial to come up with solutions to make electric car batteries safer. Hence, battery companies are not just focusing on increasing range and reducing charging times, but also making them more resistant to fire and thermal runaway. We know that the latter is the biggest cause of worry. Once an EV battery catches fire, it is excruciatingly difficult to douse it. The reason is the availability of toxic and explosive chemicals in the battery construction itself. Essentially, that is a constant fuel to keep the fire going. As a result, we have had situations where the batteries kept burning for upto 48-72 hours. You might also like: Which is Better EV Battery Cooling System – Liquid or Air? You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging 3D Thermal Barriers Technology to Make EV Batteries Safer Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, a tech company, has introduced an advanced solution to address a critical concern in the rapidly growing field of electric vehicles (EVs). The company has developed 3D thermal barriers aimed at mitigating the risk of thermal runaway in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, which are becoming increasingly common in modern EVs. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium The 3D thermal barriers mark a departure from conventional two-dimensional options like flat mats and thermal blankets. These barriers are custom, flexible, and can fit in various positions within the battery structure, allowing for easy integration of additional components. The novel 3D geometries come from injection moulding and continuous extrusion. This adaptability also offers a noteworthy advantage – the resulting intricate 3D geometries are lightweight and exert minimal impact on the overall battery weight. Freudenberg makes heat-resistant, electrical, and thermal insulating materials. Thorough in-house testing demonstrates that these materials can endure temperatures of up to 1,200°C. This resilience is due to the specific composition of the compounded polymers This renders them impervious to both extreme heat and particle impacts, such as those that occur during cell venting. The 3D thermal barriers use elastomer solutions in solid and foam forms. Additionally, they can also be plastic components like Quantix Ultra® for intricate geometric patterns. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says There are new EV technologies coming about quite frequently. That is normal with so much research going on about EV batteries in various parts of the world. This may just be one of many potent ways to make EV batteries safer. With time, we expect more such breakthroughs which will have safety at its core. Not to mention, longer range and shorter charging times will still be the main parameters while designing new solutions.

New EV battery technologies are being developed vehemently all across the globe. The traditional and upcoming electric carmakers and traditional battery and tech companies are collaborating to develop future batteries as the electrification wave grips the mobility industry. The need for zero tailpipe pollution-emitting vehicles is a priority as the warnings from the scientific community about environmental degradation are unequivocal. As a result, R&D in battery technology has been underway for almost a decade now. Here are the top 5 relatively viable options that might make it into mass-production before the decade-end (some of these are already being tested in production vehicles starting this year (2023)). You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? 5 New EV Battery Technologies Sodium-Ion Batteries We have already covered the details of the principle, advantages and disadvantages of Sodium-ion batteries previously. Just for recap, this battery type uses Sodium (instead of Lithium) to carry ions from the cathode to the anode and vice versa enabling the charge and discharge process. Sodium is the 6th most abundant element found in the earth’s crust, is non-inflammable, has a wider temperature range of operation, has low production cost, etc. These are the benefits over the existing Li-ion batteries. However, the issue is their low energy density and almost equal charge-discharge cycle counts compared to the Li-ion batteries. Also, mass production has only just commenced by CATL and BYD. You might also like: Are Chargers at DC Fast Charging Stations Bad For EVs? Solid State Batteries The next crucial and interesting EV technology is called a solid-state battery. As the name reflects, the electrolyte solution that is found between the cathode and anode of an electric car battery (or any other Li-ion battery used in other electronic gadgets) is in solid/gel form. In Li-ion batteries, this is in a liquid state which is what causes fire. But with solid-state technology, this electrolyte is in solid or gel form. Hence, the size and weight of the battery are reduced leading to increased range and faster charging times. However, more research is needed to produce these on a large scale. Lithium Sulfur Batteries Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) batteries use sulfur instead of complex, toxic, fast-diminishing and difficult-to-source elements like Cobalt or Nickel in their construction. This makes the batteries slightly lighter increasing their energy density which could be as high as around 500 Wh/kg compared to around 300 Wh/kg for regular Li-ion batteries. These can have around 1,500 charging cycles. However, the issues with these include polysulfide “shuttle” resulting in leakage of cathode material. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison Aluminium Ion Batteries Another interesting and potentially disruptive EV battery technology is the use of Al-ion. In this construction, Aluminium ions are used as charge carriers between the cathode and anode. Aluminium can exchange 3 electrons per ion which makes its energy density around 50 times higher than Li. Having 3 electrons has its advantages and disadvantages. The latter include relatively short shelf life and issues with heat, rate of charge, overall electrical behaviour and energy capacity. Niobium Batteries Finally, there are the exciting Niobium batteries that take 1 minute to recharge due to their layered molecular structure. Cambridge-based Nyobolt is working on this unique technology that uses Niobium anode reducing the charging time drastically. Even under severe temperatures, these batteries are less prone to catching fire. Their temperature gradient is just 8 degrees Celsius compared to around 27 degrees Celsius for regular batteries. While there has been significant development in the first two technologies with BYD and CATL having commenced the production of Sodium-ion batteries in mass-market EVs, the others still are in various stages of development and testing. It would be interesting to see which out of these (if any) dominates the space by the end of this decade. Also, chances are that these might co-exist or new technologies might also crop up.