Compared to lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries are more efficient, packing more power with the same size battery. As a result, EV batteries could become more compact, charge faster and weigh less, which could increase range.
Because lithium-ion batteries are able to store a significant amount of energy in such a small package, charge quickly and last long, they became the battery of choice for new devices. But new battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability.
"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.
The biggest concerns — and major motivation for researchers and startups to focus on new battery technologies — are related to safety, specifically fire risk, and the sustainability of the materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, namely cobalt, nickel and magnesium.
One of the latest technologies includes graphene batteries, which promise faster charging, longer lifespans and greater safety than lithium-ion batteries. New battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability.
Sodium-ion batteries are seen as a safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. There are also other lithium-ion alternatives like iron-air batteries, zinc-based batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries. Is battery tech improving?