New breakthrough battery material could increase EV range by 70%

New breakthrough battery material could increase EV range by 70%

Sub : Sci

Sec :Msc

Context:

• Developers of a new battery material claim that it could boost an electric car’s range by up to 70 per cent.

Structural Battery:

• Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden have developed what they call a structural battery.
• This breakthrough material not only stores energy but can also bear loads, essentially doubling as a part of the vehicle’s structure.
  • Could increase electric vehicle (EV) range by up to 70%.

Benefits of Structural Batteries in EVs:

• Weight Reduction:
  • Batteries account for 25% of an EV’s total weight.
  • Integrating batteries into the structure reduces overall weight, boosting efficiency and range.
• Efficiency Gains:
  • Lighter vehicles consume less energy, extending driving range on a single charge.

Material Composition:

• Made from: Carbon fiber composite.
• Tensile Strength: Comparable to aluminum.
• Energy Density:
  • 30 Wh/kg, lower than traditional lithium-ion batteries (e.g., NMC: 150–250 Wh/kg, LFP: 90–160 Wh/kg).
  • However, weight savings from replacing structural components compensate for the lower density.

Comparison with Traditional Batteries

• Lithium-ion batteries:
  • Focus on energy storage, requiring heavy materials like casings and management systems.
  • Cells make up 60–75% of battery weight; the rest comes from ancillary materials.
• Structural battery advantage: Eliminates the need for additional support materials, reducing overall weight.

Applications Beyond EVs:

• Portable Electronics:
  • Laptops: Potential to reduce weight by half.
  • Smartphones: Could become as slim as credit cards.
• Other devices: Endless possibilities for lighter, more efficient designs.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• Current Limitations:
  • Lower energy density compared to conventional batteries.
  • Requires further research to meet long-term commercial viability.
• Potential Savings:
  • Up to 20% weight reduction in vehicles by replacing structural sections like the frame.
• Vision: A lighter and more efficient future for EVs and portable electronics.

Source: DTE