Summary
- Game-changing news about EV battery technology
- Research team at SLAC-Stanford Battery Center makes a discovery
- Traditional 10-hour initial charge for lithium-ion batteries challenged
- Fast charging method leads to 50% increase in battery lifespan
- Longer-lasting batteries could impact EV ownership model
Article
A new study conducted by the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center at Stanford University has challenged the conventional wisdom regarding lithium-ion battery manufacturing. The research team, led by Professor Will Chueh, found that the common practice of holding a newly made battery for a 10-hour initial charge at low current may not be the most effective method for extending battery life. Instead, the team tested a method of charging pouch-type EV batteries on a high current for just 20 minutes, resulting in a significant improvement in battery lifespan.
The team’s research, published in the journal Joule, revealed that the low-current strategy aimed at minimizing lithium loss during the initial charge may not be the best approach. Despite a higher loss of lithium with the fast-charging method, the team reported an average increase of 50% in battery lifespan, with some batteries showing improvements of up to 70%. The study suggests that optimizing the formation process of the battery, specifically the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, is crucial for enhancing battery performance.
The findings have significant implications for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, as longer-lasting batteries could potentially attract more consumers to adopt EV technology. Pairing longer-lasting batteries with battery swapping technology could also revolutionize the EV ownership model, allowing drivers to own or lease a battery that can be transferred between different vehicles. This new ownership model contrasts with the traditional approach of replacing an entire vehicle when it becomes obsolete or no longer meets the driver’s needs.
Battery swapping technology is already gaining traction in the market, particularly for electric scooters and two-wheelers. Companies like Ample and U Power are developing modular, robot-enabled swapping services for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The potential shift towards a battery-swapping model could offer drivers greater flexibility and sustainability, allowing them to retain their investment in battery technology across various vehicles over time.
The emergence of more efficient battery manufacturing and innovative ownership models for EVs could address some of the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. By extending battery lifespan and offering more flexible ownership options, the EV industry may be able to attract a broader range of consumers and accelerate the transition towards sustainable transportation. As research in this field continues to advance, the future of EV technology looks increasingly promising.
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