These next-generation batteries may also use different materials that purposely reduce or eliminate the use of critical materials, such as lithium, to achieve those gains. The components of most (Li-ion or sodium-ion [Na-ion]) batteries you use regularly include: A current collector, which stores the energy.
Expect new battery chemistries for electric vehicles and a manufacturing boost thanks to government funding this year. BMW plans to invest $1.7 billion in their new factory in South Carolina to produce EVs and their batteries. AP Photo/Sean Rayford Every year the world runs more and more on batteries.
Next-generation batteries are also safer (less likely to combust, for example), try to avoid using critical materials that require imports, rare minerals, or digging into the earth, and can store more energy (letting you drive further in your electric vehicle before finding a charging station, for example).
Eccles Energy Centre Limited, which has submitted plans for a 500MW facility around two kilometres south of Leithholm, says there are significant restrictions to where battery developments can currently be connected to the network.
The majority of battery demand for EVs today can be met with domestic or regional production in China, Europe and the United States. However, the share of imports remains relatively large in Europe and the United States, meeting more than 20% and more than 30% of EV battery demand, respectively.
From more efficient production to entirely new chemistries, there's a lot going on. The race is on to generate new technologies to ready the battery industry for the transition toward a future with more renewable energy. In this competitive landscape, it’s hard to say which companies and solutions will come out on top.