Thats where lithium-metal batteries come in.
How do lithium-metal batteries differ from lithium-ion ones?
Both battery types use lithium to produce electrical energy and have a similar overall structure.
In other words, it regulates the flow of the electrical current.
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But graphite is merely a host for lithium ions.
This means that it cant store energy or produce a current itself, adding to the batterys dead weight.
In a lithium-metal battery, the anode is made of lithium instead of graphite.
QuantumScapehas developed a ceramic solid electrolyte and separator, whileSolid Powerhas created sulfide-based electrolyte technology.
Funded by theUS Department of Energys ARPA-E, battery company24Mis working on a polymer/solid electrolyte ceramic blend.
Heres QuantumScapes explainer video on solid-state lithium-metal batteries:
What are the advantages?
24M claims a 30% energy increase, while Solid Power boasts more than 50%.
For instance, an electric car that could travel 402km on a single charge, could drive 724km instead.
So, replacing them with a solid one reduces this risk.
How close are we to a breakthrough?
Solid Power has made the most significant progress up to now.
So far, QuantumScape has conducted its tests on four-layer cells.
If its efforts prove successful, itll start producing multi-layered cells in 2024.
Are we looking at the next mainstream battery?
Nevertheless, the EV industry is already betting on it.
BMW and Ford have invested in Solid Power, expecting battery packs around 2025.
This makes sense if we consider the numerous advantages solid-state lithium-metal batteries could bring to the table.
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW.
With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
