But these batteries have even higher rates of self-discharge, which is when the battery's internal chemical reactions reduce stored energy and degrade its capacity over time. Because of self-discharge, most EV batteries have a lifespan of seven to 10 years before they need to be replaced.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have never lived up to their potential as the next generation of renewable batteries for electric vehicles and other devices. But ?SMU mechanical engineer Donghai Wang and his research team have found a way to make these Li-S batteries last longer -- with higher energy levels -- than existing renewable batteries.
"This breakthrough could lead to more durable, long-lasting batteries," said Wang, the Brown Foundation Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SMU Lyle.
Here are five leading alternative battery technologies that could power the future. 1. Advanced Lithium-ion batteries Lithium-ion batteries can be found in almost every electrical item we use daily – from our phones to our wireless headphones, toys, tools, and electric vehicles.
Their discovery could help scientists to develop better batteries, which would allow electric vehicles to run farther and last longer, while also advancing energy storage technologies that would accelerate the transition to clean energy. The findings were published September 12 in the journal Science.
As the electric vehicle market grows, so does the need for electric vehicle batteries that are safer, fast charging and longer lasting. Solid-state batteries are showing huge potential to address these needs by offering a drastic change to the battery components that are used in current technology.