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Methods and Challenges of Recycling EV Battery

Best Methods and Challenges of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries

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

12 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?

9 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

7 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.

Types of EV Battery Cooling Systems Liquid or Air

Which is Better EV Battery Cooling System – Liquid or Air?

6 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

For achieving high thermal efficiency, EV batteries are needed to be kept within the optimal operating temperatures which is why the cooling systems for electric car batteries are critical. Liquid or air cooling system is the most widely used technique to keep an EV battery within the optimal thermal range. Lithium-ion batteries are influenced by temperatures a lot. In fact, that is a major drawback of these types of batteries. But these are energy dense, lightweight, relatively affordable and capable of fast charging, which is why these are mostly used in EVs today. However, an efficient thermal management system needs to be in place to keep the cells from getting too hot or cold to ensure a stable and maximum range and performance. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging You might also like: Mercedes Electric G-Wagon (EQG) to Get Silicon Battery Material Liquid vs Air EV Battery Cooling System Liquid EV Battery Cooling System There are two types of liquid battery cooling methods – Direct and Indirect. In a direct liquid cooling mechanism, the battery cells are in direct contact with the coolant. For this to work, the coolant needs to have low to no conductivity. However, there is still intensive R&D going on about this which is why we don’t see it in EVs at the moment. Indirect cooling is something that we have got accustomed to even in traditional internal combustion engines. It consists of thin metal pipes that are placed right next to the battery surface. The heat generated during discharging (when the car in is motion) is absorbed by the coolant (generally glycol or polyglycol) running in these metal pipes via conduction. As a result, the excess heat is taken away by the coolant and it recirculates over and over again. This is the most common method used to control the temperatures of EV batteries today. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Air EV Battery Cooling System As the name suggests, air cooling systems use the principle of convection instead of conduction for heat transfer. The air circulates around the hot battery and absorbs the heat emitted by it. Needless to mention, this is quite an inefficient way to manage thermal balance. There were some earlier budget EVs that used to have this mechanism, but eventually, carmakers moved to liquid cooling systems. Other Types of Battery Cooling Systems There is also the fin cooling system that is used in many electrical appliances. You must’ve seen fans and cooling setups with thin fins. The principle used in this setup is also convection. These fins have high thermal conductivity which ensures that they absorb the heat. But installing fins inside the vehicles requires additional space and weight. Those are undesirable aspects in modern cars where packing efficiency is critical to liberating the maximum space for the passengers. Finally, there are also Phase Change Materials (PCM) which absorb heat and change from solid to liquid. As one would imagine, the reason why they are not used in vehicles is because of the change in volume. When matter changes forms, there is a change in volume as well. For instance, ice melts to form water. Ice needs compact space while the same amount of water needs more space in liquid form. This property of PCMs renders them useless for automobile applications. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says In inference, due to the heat transfer capabilities of liquid cooling systems, these are much better than air cooling systems for EV battery cooling. Sure, there can be issues with the liquid cooling systems like leakage. But this system is designed in such a way that it doesn’t happen. In case it still transpires, it is ensured that the passengers remain safe. As far as corrosion is concerned, additives are added to the coolant to ensure great protection against any such issues.

Tips to Save and Earn Money from EV Charging

Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging

18 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

Modern practices allow electric car owners to not only charge their cars at a time when the electricity rates are cheaper but also to earn some money by lending the power back to the grid. The automotive world has reached a point where it is no longer a question of whether the EVs are the future or not, but where people are devising ways to save and even earn money from EV charging. EV adoption is at an all-time high and the signs look promising going forward. Almost all legacy carmakers have announced ambitious plans to ensure carbon neutrality in the coming years and eliminate internal combustion engines from their lineup. In addition, new players have emerged that are manufacturing electric vehicles exclusively. Consequently, the charging infrastructure is also being developed in tandem. Here are some ways to save or earn money by charging your EV in a particular way. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Top 5 Ways to Save / Earn Money from EV Charging Complimentary EV Charging There are a lot of modern EV markers that are offering some free complimentary EV charging when you purchase a new electric car. Sure, there are not many models on which this offer is valid. Nonetheless, this is something that you need to keep an eye out for. The most prevalent EVs include Hyundai IONIQ 5 and VW ID.4. They offer 2 years and 3 years of complimentary DC charging (certain kWh per month) respectively. Charging During Off-Peak Hours Yet another common way to save a lot of money while charging your electric car is the time when you charge it. You must know that charging at home using an AC charger is anyway cheaper than charging at a DC power station. However, if you charge at home during non-peak hours, generally from 8 PM to 6 AM, you might be able to charge at an even lower price. So, plan your charging cycles accordingly. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Solar Energy to Power Your Home / EV There are many parts of the world, where solar is gaining momentum. People are installing solar panels in their homes to power their entire household. Needless to mention, this is particularly beneficial in those parts that are mostly sunny. Hence, if you install solar panels at your home and charge the EV using that source, the charging costs are bound to be extremely low. Selling Power to the Grid Another increasing trend around which startups are evolving is selling the surplus power back to the grid. We have already discussed how you should ideally charge your EVs during off-peak hours. During these times, you are paying the least amount of money to buy power. However, when you are not using your EV, you could sell it back to the grid at a time when the electricity rates are much higher, i.e., during peak hours. In this way, a symbiotic association could take place where you are using the grid to get power and also selling power to the grid to generate some profit. EV Charger Tax Credit & EV-Specific Electricity Rates Now, these are slightly nuanced measures that might be limited to only a couple of countries at the moment. But we are sure that more governments around the world could adopt it. The US government offers up to $1,000 in tax credit if you wish to install a charging station at your home. That is a necessity for EV owners and you could save some bucks in the form of tax credit. Similarly, the UK-based OVO Energy is a company that gives specific discounts for users to charge their EVs. The prices are exclusively designed for electric car charging allowing you to save some money. You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Learn Electric Cars Says Despite the exponential growth of the EV industry in the last couple of years, we are still at a nascent stage of this promising EV revolution. Hence, this is the right time to take advantage of the massive benefits and incentives being offered by the carmakers, the governments and charging players to promote mass adoption. We are certain that such measures will become more common in more nations as we go forward. This is a great window to switch from traditional ICE-powered cars to EVs. Also, we understand that these practices might not work in every country at the moment. But the aim of this blog post is to make you aware of the kinds of possibilities that exist. This would also prompt you to keep an eye out for any such new method you might come across that will help you save or earn money using your electric car.

How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies

3 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

Electric cars look to be the norm going forward which is why it makes sense to acquaint ourselves with their behaviours and idiosyncrasies. Arguably the most common question among future EV owners is how to maximize EV driving range. As more vehicles get electrified, this is a valid question. Extending the distance an EV can travel on a single charge is critical for mass adoption and to appease range anxiety. In this blog, we shall explore several tips and strategies to improve electric driving range. This would range from optimizing driving habits and maximizing battery efficiency to utilizing charging infrastructure effectively. You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology How to Maximize EV Range? Regenerative Braking Firstly, let us commence by discussing a built-in feature that most EVs inherently possess – Regenerative Braking. During acceleration, the electric motor takes power from the battery to power the wheels. However, during braking, the kinetic and heat energy can be used in the reverse direction to get stored back into the battery. When the driver lifts his/her foot off the gas pedal, this reverse circulation of energy can bring the car to a complete stop. This is called energy recuperation or regenerative braking. This is a great feature that could be used on downhill slopes to get some juice back into the battery. Reducing Energy Consumption in the Cabin You might know that it is nigh impossible to get the exact driving range that is claimed by the company as per the WLTP or any other standardized test cycle. This is because the range depends on various factors including driving mannerisms and the use of energy-sucking components like HVAC, heated and ventilated seats, auxiliary audio systems, etc. Now we understand that you can’t switch off the AC when it’s scorching hot, but in the case of an emergency, you must know that turning all these functions off can help maximize the range. You might also like: Are Stricter Emission Norms Right to Push Mass EV Adoption? Battery Management and Maintenance An eminent aspect of electric cars is their battery management system. In fact, carmakers are burning a lot of cash in the development of the BMS for EVs. This takes into account how well the cooling system is, how will the battery perform outside the ideal temperature range, how often does a battery need maintenance, etc. Regularly monitoring the battery’s state of charge (SoC) and avoiding extremely high or low levels can help prolong battery life. Sticking to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules, including software updates and battery health checks, helps maintain optimal performance. Using Charging Infrastructure Prudently You would think what role can the charging infrastructure play in maximizing range, right? Well, it is well-known that prolonged fast charging of any Li-ion battery can reduce its life. Sure, it doesn’t degrade the battery too much too rapidly. But if you are planning to own an EV for 8-10 years or even beyond that, making a conscious decision of using DC rapid charging minimally can make a lot of difference. For this, proper planning is needed. You must develop the habit of charging your EV at your home or work using an AC charger. Restrict the usage of DC rapid charging for long journeys on highways. Driving Mannerisms Finally, the most effective way to maximize the driving range of an EV depends on the way you drive it. Now, this is true even to sequester the maximum fuel economy from your ICE-powered vehicle and this law holds true even in the EV world. As opposed to ICE cars, EVs are more suited for city driving and not high-speed scenarios on highways. Higher energy gets consumed in the latter case. Traditional cars are more efficient on the highways but consume a lot of fuel in bumper-to-bumper traffic. To squeeze the maximum range though, simple habits like using the throttle and brake pedal gently and not flooring it is the way to go. You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 Learn Electric Cars Says These are some tips and strategies that one could incorporate in everyday life, as well as from a long-term perspective to ensure that the health of the battery is great and you are able to get the maximum range out of every charging cycle. We must also add that the R&D on batteries is still ongoing and ways to increase range and reduce charging times are surfacing every day. Hence, we might get more efficient batteries going forward.

5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium

8 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

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.

Why Electric Cars Catching Fire Must Concern You

4 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

While industry experts and new car buyers are beginning to jump on the EV bandwagon, we must also acquaint ourselves with the issue of electric cars catching fire. Now, before we go any further, we must mention that this is not an EV-bashing blog or creating fear among potential buyers, but a rather factual piece of content which talks about why EV fires are different and worse than fire in ICE-powered vehicles. Also, for the record, USA Today shows data highlighting that the number of EVs catching fire out of 100,000 vehicles is just 25 compared to gas cars (1,530). So, EVs are clearly much safer when it comes to fire explosions. Furthermore, most fires occur when vehicles get crashed which may necessarily not be due to any defect in the battery or construction. With that out of the way, let us discuss the chemistry of an EV fire. You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? Chemistry of Electric Cars Catching Fire When a traditional gas-powered vehicle gets engulfed in flames, standard procedures like putting water into the fire to cut the oxygen supply works adequately. Additionally, fire extinguishers can control the situation and people are aware of what to do in such situations. However, that is the most terrifying aspect of EVs catching fire. We know that most EV batteries use Lithium-ion chemistry with Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese metals and liquid electrolytes. Generally, the battery is sealed off securely and it is meant to stay that way even during unfortunate cases. However, if the battery catches fire once, most standard procedures won’t be effective in dousing it out. The reason behind that is simple. The EV battery components become the fuel themselves causing a thermal runaway. This is due to the electrolyte decomposing and releasing Oxygen among other toxic gases including Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrofluoric Acid and Cobalt. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs You don’t need to get in contact with these gases to get affected negatively. Some of these gases could get absorbed by your skin. That is the reason why people have lost their lives in such fires. There have also been cases reported where the fire kept on going for hours despite being tried to control it using conventional water and fire extinguishers. Hence, if such a fire breaks out in a parking lot where multiple EVs are parked, we could have a serious problem on our hands. Since most people charge their EVs at their homes, this issue becomes more pertinent. Overnight charging is the most common and practical way of charging EVs across the world. In fact, some people, due to a lack of space around the house, end up installing charging equipment inside the house. In countries like Australia, solar charging and storage devices are quite common. But these must be away from the house, at least outside the building so that even if there are such terrible situations, lives are not at stake. That is the reason why EV fires are extremely perilous and we must be informed about such things. As mentioned previously, the chances of EVs catching fire are still a lot lesser compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Nevertheless, proper safety measures and procedures must be in place as EVs get more popular than ever. The concerned authorities must come up with safety protocols about what must be done in such situations so that people are able to deal with these scenarios in the best possible way.

Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs

3 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

There are over 40 solid-state battery companies for EVs across the world at the moment. Some of these are owned or operated by the legacy carmakers themselves to stay ahead in the competition of the EV wave. These batteries have a cathode (+) and a solid-state ceramic separator in contact with the anode (-) which is formed after ion transfer. As the battery charges, the Lithium ions travel through the ceramic separator and deposit on the contact surface on the other side making an anode of pure metallic Lithium. You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? This Lithium metal anode allows the energy to be stored in the battery in a smaller area increasing the energy density. Hence, the overall weight of this configuration is lower than the regular Lithium-ion batteries, the energy density is higher leading to an increased range, charging times are shorter and the system is non-inflammable. This construction, essentially, addresses all the shortcomings typical of Li-ion batteries. However, mass production has not commenced yet. Here are the top 5 companies that are developing this technology. You might also like: Are Chargers at DC Fast Charging Stations Bad For EVs? Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Volkswagen & Bill Gates – QuantumScape QuantumScape is an American company that makes solid-state batteries for EVs and is based in San Jose, California. It was established in 2010 and employs around 400 people. However, the most important aspect of this company is the fact that it is backed by Volkswagen and Bill Gates. Its main features include a 650 km range, 380-500 Wh/kg energy density (regular Li-ion batteries have somewhere around 250 Wh/kg) and a charge time of around 15 mins. BMW & Ford – Solid Power Solid Power is a solid-state battery manufacturer that is partners with BMW and Ford. It specializes in sulfide-based solid ion-conducting chemistry (replacing liquid electrolytes in regular Li-ion batteries) and also swapping the graphite anode with a Lithium metal anode. It is producing 2 Ah cells with 320 Wh/kg energy density. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison Toyota and Panasonic – Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Inc. The Japanese auto-giant in amidst developing its own solid-state batteries to power future EVs. It partnered with Panasonic to form Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Inc. It is planning to produce solid-state batteries in limited numbers by 2025. The batteries will have a range of 700 km and will have a charging time from 0-100% of 10-15 mins. Hyundai – Factorial Energy With extensive research and investment in solid-state batteries over the past 6 years, Factorial Energy is a Hyundai-backed company. At the 2023 Consumers Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Factorial showcased its 100 Ah prototype cells. These will offer 30% higher energy density than the traditional Li-ion batteries. With such giants of the automotive industry backing this technology, it sure looks like a matter of time before mass production of these solid-state batteries for EVs starts offering greater and safer alternatives to the existing Li-ion batteries. Apart from that, alternative battery technologies like Sodium-ion will also witness some more R&D. Within a brief span of a few years, consumers might have a wide choice while considering electric cars in terms of price, range and safety.

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