Electric vehicle batteries are bulky. They occupy space beneath the vehicle floor, and their weight consumes some of their energy. Researchers in the battery industry are searching for smaller, lighter and denser batteries. However, little has changed from the consumer point of view, and that includes solid-state batteries too.
Does That Mean Solid-State Batteries Are Not a Runner?
No, not all, although right now lithium-ion is ahead in the race, according to MSN Microsoft Start. That’s largely because solid-state batteries are not yet the ‘breakthrough’ consumers need. Various electric vehicle makers are promising to bring them to market, although we have not seen them on the road yet.
Cost continues to be a major distractor, although the following factors are encouraging news:
- Solid batteries have potential to hold twice as much energy as lithium-ion ones currently do.
- This greater density suggests electric vehicles might need half the number of cells, and weigh correspondingly less.
- These advantages could lead to improved driving range, performance, and handling so a better all-round driving experience.
However, the biggest advantage could well be their ability to regularly charge faster to 100%, without shortening their primary life in an electric vehicle.
When Will We See This Technology On the Shelf?
The first electric vehicle maker to achieve this goal could reap rich rewards. For this reason, it can be hard to tell the difference between marketing and fact. Here is what we do know at the time of writing:
- Toyota has predicted it will have commercial grade solid-state batteries available by 2028, although some believe this could be sooner.
- BMW is working away at something similar in tandem with a third party developer, with its goal the end of the decade.
- Various Chinese interests may be ahead of Western nations with the technology, but we wait for results.
We can’t predict when this technology will reach our markets. It is definitely knocking on the door though, but who will open it first?
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