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How Heat Pumps Function in EVs in Winter Cold Conditions

How Do Heat Pumps Function In EVs?

Heat pumps are getting more common in EVs with each passing day as we take a look at how these aid electric cars during extremely cold conditions. In this post, we shall discuss how heat pumps function in EVs in cold weather conditions. We are certain that automobile enthusiasts and EV owners must have read a lot of headlines pertaining to the extremely cold weather conditions in many parts of North America and Europe currently. Note that Lithium-ion batteries are vulnerable and sensitive to temperature changes. Hence, many EV owners are, unfortunately, stranded at homes or charging stations. While we are still not at the point where the battery technology can overcome temperature dependency, there are decent solutions in place. Heat pumps provide the best shot for EVs to tackle extreme cold environments. Sure, snowy conditions with massively low temperatures will still have an impact on EV batteries, but a large part of that impact will be eliminated by the use of heat pumps. That is the reason why so many modern EVs come with a heat pump from the factory. You may also like: New EV Battery From Zeekr To Offer 500 kW Charging How Do Heat Pumps Function In EVs? Depending on the use case, a heat pump can produce heat from any source, which could then be used anywhere in a vehicle. For EVs, it is generally used to heat the battery and make it operate within optimal temperature range, irrespective of the weather outside. Additionally, the heat produced by pumps can also provide air conditioning to warm the cabin and the passengers. Essentially, any component in an EV which requires heat can be fed via the heat pump. The heat pumps use the temperature difference between the outside air and the refrigerant to create a heating effect. In EVs, it can pull cold air from the outside and create warm air from it. This can be used to heat the cabin, which will reduce the energy consumption of the battery. Alternatively, it could also heat the battery itself, which will prepare it before plugging so that it can charge quickly. This will maximize the range. If the battery is too cold, it will take longer than usual to charge too. In fact, many reports suggest a drop in range between 15% and 45% due to cold temperature alone. You may also like: Edmunds Tests The Fastest Charging EV In Real-World Conditions EVs With Heat Pumps Many modern EVs possess heat pumps from the factory itself. Some of the top EVs include Tesla cars, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW’s latest i-series cars, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona, Audi’s new e-tron, Kia EV9 and Niro, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Toyota Prius, etc. This encompasses electric cars from varied price segments. Therefore, it is evident that carmakers are offering this component as standard across the range. You may also like: How Inductive / Wireless Charging Can Transform The Future Of EVs? Learn Electric Cars Says Recognizing the importance of heat pumps in EVs, car companies will carry on this trend of offering them even on budget EVs going forward. With the kind of predicament we faced with extreme cold in many parts of North America and Europe recently, the need for heat pumps in EVs is evident. EV owners were left stranded at home. Even when they towed their cars to charging stations, the chargers had frozen. They had to wait for hours to get to a charging station. Then they had to wait a lot to charge their EVs due to slow charging speeds. We can only hope that this winter will force the authorities to take this aspect into consideration while developing charging infrastructure going forward. This was also be an eye-opener for EV owners, many of whom were facing such severe conditions with their EVs for the first time ever.

Stellantis Invests Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

Stellantis Invests In Affordable Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

26 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

New EV Battery From Zeekr To Offer 500 kW Charging

21 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The unprecedented DC fast charging rate allows replenishing 500 km (310 miles) of range in just 15 minutes. The new EV battery from Zeekr is capable of offering lightning-fast 500 kW DC fast charging. They are calling it the ‘Golden Battery’. This is unequivocally much higher than the fastest charging speeds on offer today, which hover around 360 kW. The Chinese car marque’s new battery technology will support 800 V architecture and adopt LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) cell chemistry to provide upto 500 kW speeds. You might also like: Edmunds Tests The Fastest Charging EV In Real-World Conditions New Zeekr EV Battery Charging Technology While 800 V architecture is offered by other carmakers like Porsche already, 500 kW DC charging speeds are unheard of. The key behind this technology lies in its innovative cell chemistry. Traditionally, LFP batteries have lower energy density in comparison to NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) batteries. However, engineers at Zeekr used “newly-developed materials” and “simplified structural design” to construct the new battery pack. This has resulted in a higher volume utilization of the new battery pack at 83.7%. For reference, CATL’s NMC Qilin battery offers 72% volume utilization, as per Autocar. Hence, it is a clear advantage which addresses the energy density issue typically associated with battery packs with LFP chemistry. You might also like: How Inductive / Wireless Charging Can Transform The Future Of EVs? How Safe Is This Battery? At the moment, the Blade Battery by BYD is considered the safest, as per the standard tests. Similarly, this battery from Zeekr has undergone nail penetration test, submersion in saline water at 10% concentration for 48 hours test, 1000° C fire for an hour test, -45° temperature for 8 hours test, 3 km dragging in mud water and debris, getting run over by a 22-ton road roller and a free fall from a height of 10 m. After all this rigorous abuse, the battery was still working. This is a video showcasing these tests without any fire or smoke. Zeekr is owned by Geely. This means that the other car companies under Geely will also benefit from this battery. This includes the likes of Polestar, Lotus, Volvo and Smart. However, the first EV to get this battery will be the Zeekr 007 premium electric sedan. In fact, we might see it next month in some markets. You might also like: Mercedes, BMW Exceed EPA Range in Real-World Test, Tesla Falls Short Learn Electric Cars Says While this is yet another innovative technology, we know that there is no wide-scale infrastructure available which is needed to support such ultra-fast charging speeds. There are only a few charging stations across the world at the moment which can support 500 kW charging capabilities. Most of these are in China and the plans to increase such charging stations are already in place. Going forward, Ionity plans to install 7,000 350 kW chargers in Europe by 2025 and Electrify America will install 10,000 chargers (1,800 charging stations) by 2026 including many 350 kW chargers. Even with 350 kW DC fast chargers, the speeds would be around 15 minutes for 10-80%. As a result, the waiting times will come down drastically. Still, we understand that there is a long time to go before all this becomes the standard. Nevertheless, the signs are all positive.

Stellantis Ample Battery Swapping Technology for Fiat 500e

Fiat 500e To Be First Stellantis EV To Get Battery-Swapping Technology

26 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

In the context of the automotive industry’s endeavours to address challenges associated with widespread electric vehicle adoption, battery swapping may present itself as a viable solution. In the latest press release by Stellantis, the Fiat 500e will be the first EV from the conglomerate to get the battery-swapping technology. The Fiat 500e is the highest-selling electric vehicle within Stellantis. The conglomerate announced its partnership with Ample to leverage the latter’s modular battery-swapping technology. The program is slated to commence in Europe in 2024 with Free2move’s car-sharing fleet. You might also like: Potential and Challenges of Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Fiat 500e To Be First Stellantis EV With Battery-Swapping Tech As per this binding agreement, this technology will ensure a fully charged electric car battery in less than 5 minutes. This technological advancement possesses the capability to mitigate customer infrastructure challenges. These include issues related to charging time, range anxiety, and battery wear. The program will commence in Madrid, Spain in 2024 in a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e EVs. These EVs will be part of the Free2move car-sharing service. On this occasion, Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Charging & Energy Business Unit, said, “The partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our electric vehicle customers. In addition to other projects we are focused on, Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety. We are looking forward to executing the initial program with our stellar Fiat 500e.” Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution aims for swift and cost-efficient operation, reducing downtime and associated financial repercussions for electric vehicles. By offering Ample’s battery technology through a subscription service, customers not only lower the initial vehicle cost but also enjoy continuous access to the latest battery advancements, enhancing the electric vehicle’s range and lifespan. You might also like: $25,000 Tesla Model 2 Imminent with Expansion of Giga Shanghai Carbon Net Zeo Plans of Stellantis As outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis has declared its intent to achieve a 100% sales mix of passenger car battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe and a 50% mix of BEVs for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in the United States by 2030. In pursuit of these sales objectives, the company is actively securing around 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery capacity. Stellantis is progressing towards attaining carbon neutrality across all scopes by 2038. The remaining emissions will be offset by single-digit percentage compensation measures. You might also like: Porsche Macan EV Specs and Interior Revealed – Gets AR HUD Learn Electric Cars Says Despite the hurdles, certain regions and businesses are proactively exploring and investing in battery-swapping solutions as part of a comprehensive strategy to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and tackle limitations in charging infrastructure. Successfully addressing these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts among automakers, infrastructure providers, and policymakers to establish standardized and efficient systems.

Toyota to Launch Solid-State Battery by 2027 – Here’s The Problem

20 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

Toyota has seemingly been lagging behind in the EV race but that might finally be about to change. With its in-house solid-state battery launch by 2027-28, Toyota has finally come around to mainstream electrification. Industry experts and customers were intrigued by Toyota’s decision to keep investing its time and resources in hydrogen and other alternative energy sources to power its future automobiles. While the entire industry is making a gradual shift towards EVs, Toyota was busy exploring all other possible avenues to arrive at eco-friendly mobility solutions. This doesn’t mean that it was averse to EVs. In fact, it had announced comprehensive plans to launch 30 BEVs (including Lexus cars) by the end of the decade. But in comparison to the legacy automakers and new startups, it was definitely sluggish. That is why this announcement of developing in-house next-gen batteries in association with Idemitsu was welcome news. However, there is a rather peculiar issue with that as well. You might also like: Nissan Sets Out to Revolutionize Its Solid-State Battery Technology Toyota to Launch Solid-State Battery by 2027 As per the official press release from Toyota, its collaboration with the Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu to create next-gen EV batteries will unfold in three phases – Toyota Motor Corporation President and CEO, Koji Sato said, “Idemitsu Kosan and Toyota Motor Corporation have agreed to collaborate on the mass production of solid-state batteries. Specifically, our two companies will combine their separate efforts to mass-produce new materials and establish a supply chain for solid electrolytes, which hold the key to the commercialization of solid-state batteries. First, between 2027 and 2028, we will start to produce solid-state batteries for use in battery electric vehicles. We will then lay the foundation for mass production.” You might also like: Best Methods and Challenges of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries Toyota’s Battery Technology Roadmap Toyota also provided a step-by-step roadmap toward achieving the target of a 1,200 km-range (746 mi) EV battery in the coming years. This starts with launching the first of its next-gen batteries starting in 2026. They will offer a range in excess of 800 km (497 mi). It would be able to hit this number even with Lithium-ion chemistry. With the Li-Fe-PO chemistry, the company aims to produce EV batteries which could provide an impressive range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) on a single charge. For these batteries, the EV owners will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 mins. After 2027-28, the Lithium-ion batteries will finally feature solid-state electrolytes. They will be able to offer a range of over 1,200 km with a 10-minute charging time for 10-80% SoC. Problem with Solid-State Battery from Toyota While all this sounds appropriate and promising, the Japanese automaker mentions that there will be enough solid-state batteries for a few thousand EVs even in 2027-28. As a matter of fact, by 2030 when the company plans to go into the “mass production” phase, there will only be around 10,000 batteries. Interestingly, Toyota wants to sell around 3.5 million BEVs by 2030, as per its plans. Surely, 10,000 doesn’t sound like much. Not to mention, even this will happen if the Japanese carmaker promises to keep its word. You might also like: Potential and Challenges of Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Learn Electric Cars Says Toyota might well be late to the party, but that is not the only concerning thing. Its plans are still not convincing enough to make it one of the top players in the world in the electrification age. Our readers might already know that Toyota has held the position of the largest carmaker in the world on multiple occasions. However, transitioning into the EV age might change that. Firstly, it had been reluctant to give up on hydrogen and alternate sources of fuel and technology. Now that it has finally announced huge plans for EVs in the coming decade, its technology and commitment toward EV batteries seems lacking in terms of the volume it aims to sell. It would be interesting to see if Toyota makes any changes to the timeline or the volume before its sold-state battery launch.

Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Challenges

Potential and Challenges of Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping

33 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

Methods and Challenges of Recycling EV Battery

Best Methods and Challenges of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries

1 Comment / Battery / By LEC Team

Electrification of cars is inevitable going forward, which is why it is imperative to immerse ourselves in devising solutions to imminent issues with regard to EV batteries. With the ever-growing number of electric vehicle batteries, recycling is bound to be among the biggest challenges going forward. These batteries can be volatile if processed improperly. For example, if Lithium is exposed to air, it can react with oxygen, leading to fires, explosions, and toxic fumes. In fact, Lithium batteries are responsible for a large proportion of all fires in waste processing facilities across various parts of the world. This makes discarding them in landfills a dangerous and unsustainable solution. However, the same properties that make batteries hazardous in landfills also make recycling them challenging. EV batteries, laden with materials like aluminium, steel, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and copper within a robust protective shell, require intricate processes for recovery. Let us acquaint ourselves with the methods of EV battery recycling, as well as the hurdles accompanying them. You might also like: How Are EREVs Different From BEVs, PHEVs or HEVs? You might also like: How to Prevent Effects of Extreme Hot & Cold Weather on EV Batteries? Methods of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries Hydrometallurgical and Pyrometallurgical Processes EV batteries contain recyclable materials, and to recover these elements, recycling facilities employ pyrometallurgical and/or hydrometallurgical processes. In the hydrometallurgical process, batteries are mechanically shredded and burnt, creating a ‘black mass.’ This mass undergoes further processing to recover recyclable materials. Conversely, the pyrometallurgical process involves rinsing the battery in acid to create a “chemical soup,” from which recyclable elements can be recovered. Both methods necessitate careful management under controlled conditions to protect both workers and the environment. Energy-Intensive Challenges and Limited Facilities The number of EV battery recycling facilities worldwide is limited, with only two existing in Europe. The process is energy-intensive, emitting greenhouse gases during battery burning, and generating a significant amount of non-recyclable waste. Beyond the European Union, health, safety, environmental, and working conditions in these facilities lack careful control, potentially causing more severe impacts. Currently, only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled due to the complexity and expense of the recycling process. You might also like: New 3D Technology Claims To Make EV Batteries Safer Direct Recycling Researchers are exploring direct recycling as a more efficient solution. In this process, the cathode mixture remains intact, eliminating the extensive processing needed to salvage reusable components. The efficient recycling of old batteries not only prevents hazardous waste and emissions but also provides an alternative to environmentally destructive mining for raw materials. However, achieving these benefits depends on making the entire process more efficient and affordable. Re-Use EV Battery Re-use presents an attractive alternative, considering that end-of-life Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) typically retain 70-80% storage capacity. Although unsuitable for electric vehicles, these batteries can find a second life in static storage applications, such as energy storage systems for solar or other renewable technologies. Companies like Nissan, Renault, and Volkswagen are taking steps towards a more sustainable future by accepting end-of-life batteries for recycling. You might also like: Which is Better EV Battery Cooling System – Liquid or Air? Challenges in Re-Using EV Batteries Despite the potential, re-use faces challenges. First, the diverse design and chemistry of the first-generation EV batteries reaching end-of-life make them incompatible for use together. Second, while the volume of end-of-life batteries in 2030 could generate a substantial amount of energy, the demand for stationary storage in the EU is likely to to be much lower. Lastly, current EU regulations, particularly the Waste Batteries Directive, prioritize appropriate collection and recycling, leaving the re-use of batteries unaccounted for. Learn Electric Cars Says The challenge in EV battery recycling lies in both technology and scale. Developing and scaling up dismantling and recycling techniques, including robotic automation and direct recycling, is essential. Manufacturers also play a crucial role by designing batteries with recycling in mind. While challenges exist, the journey toward sustainable battery recycling is vital for minimizing environmental impact, reducing reliance on mining, and fostering economic opportunities. As we navigate this path, collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers will be key to creating a circular and sustainable battery economy.

Nissan Sets Out to Revolutionize Its Solid-State Battery Technology

29 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The Japanese automaker is taking giant steps toward innovative battery technology solutions to power its future EVs. In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Nissan is positioning itself as a trailblazer by investing in all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology. The company envisions this innovation as a game-changer, propelling EVs into the next decade. Let’s delve into Nissan’s ambitious plans, exploring the potential benefits and challenges associated with solid-state batteries You might also like: Could Dongfeng M-Hero 917 Be Perfect Rival to Hummer EV? Leap in Battery Technology Nissan’s commitment to solid-state battery technology marks a significant leap from conventional lithium-ion cells. The company aims to double the energy density at the pack level while slashing fast charging times by two-thirds. This leap forward is not merely an incremental improvement over existing lithium-ion batteries but a revolutionary stride towards making EVs more efficient and practical. Battery Cooling Innovation One distinctive aspect of Nissan’s solid-state battery approach is its intention to eliminate the need for cooling. Unlike traditional EVs, which rely on water or air cooling systems to manage temperatures, Nissan believes that solid-state cells can withstand higher temperatures without compromising safety or performance. This unconventional strategy challenges the norm, aiming to streamline the battery design and reduce complexity, especially crucial for larger EVs like trucks, vans, and SUVs. You might also like: Ownership Experience of EVs More Tricky Than ICE Cars – Study Overcoming Challenges Nissan’s venture into solid-state battery technology reflects a learning curve from its past experiences. The company faced challenges with the cooling needs of the original battery cells in the Nissan Leaf, but subsequent advancements, including a battery chemistry change in 2015, addressed these issues. Nissan’s hands-on experience positions it uniquely in the pursuit of a cooling-free ASSB, learning from the past to drive innovation in the future. What The Future Looks Like While Nissan’s vision for solid-state batteries is promising, there are challenges to overcome. Currently seeing around 200 cycles in laboratory tests, Nissan acknowledges the longevity hurdle and plans to establish a pilot line for larger cells in 2024. The company collaborates 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. The road ahead involves fine-tuning the cells, determining the optimal chemistry, and scaling up production. Nissan Solid-State Battery Technology Nissan’s pursuit of solid-state battery technology represents a bold step towards revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry. The company’s ambitious goals, from doubling energy density to eliminating the need for cooling, indicate a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what EVs can achieve. As challenges persist and technology evolves, Nissan’s collaboration with leading institutions positions it as a key player in shaping the future of electric mobility. You might also like: How to Prevent Effects of Extreme Hot & Cold Weather on EV Batteries? Learn Electric Cars Says In a landscape where sustainability and efficiency are paramount, Nissan’s journey into solid-state battery technology holds the promise of not only enhancing the performance of larger EVs but also influencing the overall trajectory of electric vehicle development. As the automotive industry undergoes a paradigm shift towards cleaner and more sustainable solutions, Nissan’s focus on innovation underscores its dedication to providing consumers with advanced, reliable, and environmentally friendly transportation options. In conclusion, while the path to solid-state battery integration may be challenging, Nissan’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and collaborating with industry leaders indicates a future where electric vehicles are not just a viable alternative but a superior choice for a wide range of applications. As we eagerly anticipate the developments in the coming years, Nissan’s role in shaping the EV landscape is undoubtedly one to watch.

How to prevent EV batteries from hot and cold weather

How to Prevent Effects of Extreme Hot & Cold Weather on EV Batteries?

23 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

There could be adverse effects of extreme hot and cold weather on EV batteries as Lithion-ion chemistry is temperature-dependent. There are numerous handy tips and tricks to prevent the adverse effects of extreme hot and cold weather on EV batteries. Electric vehicles have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. However, one aspect of EV ownership that often raises questions is the impact of extreme weather conditions on their batteries. In this blog, we’ll delve into how both extreme heat and cold can affect EV batteries. Understanding these effects can help EV owners take steps to maximize battery life and performance. You might also like: New 3D Technology Claims To Make EV Batteries Safer Effects of Extreme Heat on EV Batteries Capacity Loss One of the primary concerns with extreme heat is the accelerated degradation of an EV battery’s capacity. When exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods, the battery’s ability to hold a charge diminishes more rapidly. This means that over time, your EV may experience a noticeable reduction in its driving range. Reduced Lifespan Heat also shortens the overall lifespan of an EV battery. While EV manufacturers design batteries to withstand a wide range of temperatures, excessive heat can lead to premature ageing. This may result in the need for battery replacement sooner than expected, which can be a significant expense. Safety Concerns Extreme heat poses safety risks for EV batteries. It can lead to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, where the battery becomes extremely hot and potentially combustible. Manufacturers implement safety measures to mitigate these risks, but it’s crucial for EV owners to avoid exposing their vehicles to extreme heat whenever possible. 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 Effects of Extreme Cold on EV Batteries Reduced Range In extremely cold weather, EV owners often notice a decrease in their vehicle’s driving range. The cold slows down the chemical reactions within the battery, reducing its efficiency. This means you’ll need to charge more frequently, especially during frigid winters, to cover the same distance. Slower Charging Charging an EV in very cold weather can be a slower process. The battery’s internal resistance increases in the cold, affecting the charging speed. EV owners may need to plan for longer charging times during winter months. Battery Wear While cold weather may not degrade the battery as quickly as extreme heat, it can still contribute to long-term wear and tear. Cold temperatures can increase the internal resistance of the battery, which may lead to gradual degradation over time. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Mitigating the Effects of Hot & Cold Weather on EV Batteries Thermal Management Systems Many modern EVs come equipped with thermal management systems designed to regulate the temperature of the battery. These systems help maintain the battery within an optimal temperature range, mitigating the effects of extreme weather. Pre-Conditioning To counteract the impact of extreme temperatures, some EVs offer pre-conditioning features. This allows owners to warm up or cool down the battery before setting out on a journey. Pre-conditioning helps improve range and charging efficiency. Manufacturer Guidelines Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for operating your EV in extreme conditions is essential. They often provide recommendations for maintaining the battery’s health and performance in various weather scenarios. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says Extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold, can affect the performance and lifespan of EV batteries. Heat can lead to capacity loss, reduced battery lifespan, and safety concerns, while cold weather can result in reduced range, slower charging, and gradual battery wear. However, with proper precautions, such as using thermal management systems, pre-conditioning, and following manufacturer guidelines, EV owners can mitigate these effects and enjoy their eco-friendly vehicles year-round. Understanding how weather affects EV batteries is the first step toward maximizing their efficiency and longevity, making electric vehicles a reliable and sustainable choice for transportation, regardless of the climate.

New 3D Technology to Make EV Batteries Safer

New 3D Technology Claims To Make EV Batteries Safer

20 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

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