Researchers achieve EV battery breakthrough with silicon-based materials and gel electrolytes, moving closer to a 1,000-kilometer range on a single charge.
“Moreover, the silicon-gel electrolyte system demonstrated ion conductivity comparable to conventional batteries while achieving a remarkable 40 percent increase in energy density. This represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, offering a practical solution ready for immediate application.”
So, same energy output, lower weight, similar range. Would be good if this soon becomes a drop in replacement option for older EVs that are nearing EOL on their batteries and require new ones anyway.
I’ve always said that about one of my big reasons for buying an EV several years ago. By the time I’m in need of a replacement battery, it will be better in virtually every way - safer, faster to charge, higher capacity, lighter, and (potentially) cheaper. The first replacement battery might not be much of an improvement, but my 3rd might be light-years ahead.
My only regret was not buying a more popular model. There are fantastic drop-in battery upgrades for the Prius and leaf, but less popular cars like mine will probably never get upgraded
Looking at past actions of capitalism, it is more likely that same type of batteries will be sold for older cars and the new tech batteries will be only made for newer models, unless right to repair takes off, but who knows, still I do hope for a better and more sustainable future.
Since Prius are so popular and plentiful, and now quite old, there are companies supplying newer tech Lion packs with way more capacity, or lighter weight (or both) than the original Prius packs (many with NiMH packs).
I’m on the hunt for old Prius with dead packs as we speak.
I would be curious if this technology would be viable in other devices as well. I’d like 40% more energy density in my cordless drill and/or laptop please.
From the article:
“Moreover, the silicon-gel electrolyte system demonstrated ion conductivity comparable to conventional batteries while achieving a remarkable 40 percent increase in energy density. This represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, offering a practical solution ready for immediate application.”
So, same energy output, lower weight, similar range. Would be good if this soon becomes a drop in replacement option for older EVs that are nearing EOL on their batteries and require new ones anyway.
Can’t wait for carmakers to fight tooth and nail to avoid making this a possibility for aging vehicles.
I’ve always said that about one of my big reasons for buying an EV several years ago. By the time I’m in need of a replacement battery, it will be better in virtually every way - safer, faster to charge, higher capacity, lighter, and (potentially) cheaper. The first replacement battery might not be much of an improvement, but my 3rd might be light-years ahead.
My only regret was not buying a more popular model. There are fantastic drop-in battery upgrades for the Prius and leaf, but less popular cars like mine will probably never get upgraded
What car did you end up getting?
Looking at past actions of capitalism, it is more likely that same type of batteries will be sold for older cars and the new tech batteries will be only made for newer models, unless right to repair takes off, but who knows, still I do hope for a better and more sustainable future.
Since Prius are so popular and plentiful, and now quite old, there are companies supplying newer tech Lion packs with way more capacity, or lighter weight (or both) than the original Prius packs (many with NiMH packs).
I’m on the hunt for old Prius with dead packs as we speak.
No affiliation example pack: https://electronhybridsolution.com/product/toyota-prius-2010-2015-brand-new-hybrid-battery-rebuild-kit/
If other companies do it then it is possible, would love to get extra range on my Chevy volt
I would be curious if this technology would be viable in other devices as well. I’d like 40% more energy density in my cordless drill and/or laptop please.