Lithium metal batteries, the technology that can double the range of electric cars

New electric vehicles can work with lithium metal batteries that travel between 800 and 1,100 kilometers on a single charge, double that of current lithium-ion batteries.

Currently, lithium metal technology has serious drawbacks: the battery quickly loses its ability to store energy after relatively few charge and discharge cycles, which is very impractical for drivers who expect rechargeable electric cars to run for years. .

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In this context, researchers at Stanford University have discovered a low-cost solution: simply drain the battery and let it sit for several hours. This simple approach restored battery capacity and improved overall performance.

The results of the study, published in Nature, can provide electric vehicle manufacturers with practical information on how to adapt lithium metal technology to real-world driving conditions, says lead author Yi Cui, professor in a statement. of Energy and Engineering at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

Enlarged image of a copper mesh of a lithium metal battery in a discharged state. Small pieces of dead lithium of various sizes and shapes are deposited in square openings in the mesh. (Photo: Europapress) (Sebastian Carrasco/)

Likewise, doubling the range could eliminate range anxiety for drivers who are reluctant to buy electric vehicles. Unfortunately, continuous charging and discharging causes lithium metal batteries to degrade quickly, rendering them useless for routine driving.

Furthermore, this new approach does not require new and expensive manufacturing techniques or materials. This protocol can be implemented as quickly as necessary to write the battery management system code.

Thus, researchers consider that in certain types of lithium metal batteries, the resting discharge state alone can significantly increase the life cycle life of electric vehicles.

Source: Elcomercio