The electric vehicle (EV) market is on the verge of a major change, with new battery technologies promising to transform the industry. Toyota’s plan to release a car in 2027–28 that can travel 1,000 kilometers and recharge in just 10 minutes has generated excitement. This breakthrough is made possible by a revolutionary battery type that replaces liquid components with solids, offering a significant leap forward in efficiency and convenience. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are preparing to introduce affordable cars in 2024 with batteries based on abundant sodium, a departure from the prevalent lithium-based power sources. Additionally, a US laboratory has unveiled a cutting-edge cell that partially runs on air, potentially providing enough energy to power airplanes. These innovations represent a departure from conventional lithium-ion batteries that have long dominated the EV market. While lithium-ion technology is impressive, researchers believe that a variety of alternative designs will soon cater to different market needs, offering cost-effectiveness and enhanced power capabilities. “We’re going to see the market diversify,” says Gerbrand Ceder, a materials scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. The race to develop superior car batteries is intense, driven by the growing EV market. With more than a dozen nations mandating that all new cars must be electric by 2035 or earlier, the demand for energy from EV batteries is expected to surge. The International Energy Agency forecasts a significant increase in the global stock of EVs on the road, from 16.5 million in 2021 to nearly 350 million by 2030. This surge will require a demand for energy from EV batteries reaching 14 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2050, a 90-fold increase from 2020 levels.
Creating the ideal car battery presents a significant challenge, as it must possess high energy density, rapid recharging capabilities, long lifespan, adaptability to varying temperatures, safety, and affordability. Researchers are exploring a multitude of options to meet these criteria, each with specific performance targets in mind. For instance, the US Department of Energy’s Battery500 program aims for a cell energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh kg–1), a 65% improvement over current products. Additionally, the PROPEL-1K program, launched by the US Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, is ambitiously striving for a longer-term goal of 1,000 Wh kg–1. As the industry evolves, the focus on electrode evolution is crucial. Batteries operate by shuttling charged ions between the anode and the cathode through an electrolyte, while electrons flow in an external circuit. Advancements in this area are pivotal for enhancing battery performance, recharging efficiency, and overall durability. The pursuit of next-generation car batteries is poised to reshape the EV landscape, offering consumers an array of options that are not only environmentally friendly but also practical and cost-effective. With ongoing research and development, the future of electric vehicles is set to be powered by cutting-edge battery technologies, ushering in a new era of sustainable and efficient transportation.
Date: 07 February 2024
