George Seryogin is a consultant with Agnitron Technology and has over 25 years of experience working in the semiconductor space. George Seryogin is contributor on EV and hybrid technologies for several publications and below George discusses some of the latest news in battery tech.
Hybrids and electric vehicles are nothing new but, over the past few years, a growing movement away from fossil fuels has generated a revolution in EV battery technologies. Some of the most notable advances include the development of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, and ultralightweight batteries.
As the world continues to embrace electric vehicles, EV battery technology is sure to advance at an exponential rate. Let’s take a look at some of the more recent trends and learn what these new technologies mean for you and your automobile.
George Seryogin on What Has Changed for EV Batteries
Although fossil fuels still reign supreme, it seems as if every carmaker in the world is slowly embracing the shift towards renewable energies and electric vehicles. George Seryogin explains that this is in part due to a growing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as improving technologies. As more consumers demand EV automobiles, battery manufacturers have had to improve as well.
Overall, electric vehicle batteries are more efficient now thanks to a handful of reasons:
- Battery technology has improved, with new chemistries like lithium-ion that are more efficient than older chemistries.
- Battery management systems have gotten better at keeping batteries healthy and extending their life.
- Investors have poured funding into research into new materials and fabrication techniques that could improve battery performance.
George Seryogin reports that these advancements have allowed researchers and developers to create specific new technologies that are both lighter and more efficient. As investments continue to pour into battery technologies, the rate of advancement is sure to skyrocket.
New EV Battery Tech
Vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4 All-Electric showcase the growing advancements in EV battery technology. Here are three of the biggest advancements we’ve seen in recent years:
High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries
George Seryogin explains that the latest and most noticeable advancement in EV battery technology is the high-capacity lithium-ion battery. These batteries are typically made from a combination of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and aluminum, allowing them to store a higher amount of energy relative to their size.
These new batteries allow electric vehicles to run longer on a single charge and can be found in all modern Tesla vehicles. On average, a Tesla lithium-ion battery can drive around 400 miles on a single charge, which is about twice the average of a decade ago.
Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte compared to the liquid electrolyte used in traditional car batteries. George Seryogin says that although they are nothing new, solid-state batteries had never been used in a vehicle prior to 2018, when Toyota and Hyundai first added them to their EV repertoire.
Solid-state batteries are seen as a promising technology for the future, as they have the potential to be safer and more durable than traditional batteries. For example, a Toyota Mirai can drive around 350 miles on a single charge.
Ultra-Lightweight Batteries
George Seryogin explains that another growing trend among EV battery producers is a shift towards ultra-lightweight batteries. By shrinking their batteries and increasing their efficiency, they’re able to add more batteries to a single vehicle and boost mileage.
Swiss automaker, Innolith, is currently working on an ultra-lightweight battery that they claim can get a record-breaking 600 miles to the charge. Although they’ve yet to debut a vehicle using their new ultra-lightweight battery, it shows promise and is pushing competitors to outperform the breakthrough.
How Better EV Battery Technologies Will Affect the Industry
George Seryogin says there is potential for more efficient batteries to have a large impact on the electric vehicle market. If batteries can be made more efficient, electric vehicles will be able to travel further on a single charge and will become more affordable.
Of course, more affordable electric vehicles will drive consumers to switch from pricier gas-driven automobiles to fuel-efficient EV technologies. George Seryogin says this is especially true considering the recent price hikes on gasoline around the world. As more and more consumers struggle to afford the fluctuating prices of gas, EV technologies are set to overtake gas-guzzling cars and trucks.
Currently, electric vehicles are still more expensive than standard automobiles, costing around $56,000 on average, but as battery technologies become lighter, smaller, and more efficient, analysts predict that prices could drop by more than half by 2030. At that price, it would be cheaper to purchase an EV than a traditional gas-powered vehicle.
Final Thoughts
George Seryogin notes that electric vehicle battery advancements are happening rapidly, and the industry is evolving quickly. As battery technologies improve, electric vehicles will become more and more cost-effective and efficient. This is excellent news for anyone wanting to invest in an EV, as well as for the environment and for the economy.
