Elon Musk is pushing ahead with a massive lithium-ion battery program. He has to. Because Tesla needs practical solutions for 500,000 electrical cars. He plans to flood the market with these by 2018. His mass-market Model 3 is waiting in the wings. And at US$35,000, the Tesla is bound to sell. Meanwhile he is continuing with his corporate battery games. He patents every option that he can. But he makes the patents open source. So anybody can use them for electric vehicles.
The Logic Behind Tesla’s Corporate Battery Games
Elon’s logic is superb, and difficult to fault.
Firstly, he wants to pitch himself as a ‘shining knight’ of alternative energy in transport.
Secondly, he wants to prevent his competition from stealing a march on him with battery design superior to lithium-ion.
That way, he keeps his cards open while avoiding appearing monopolistic.
Tesla’s Latest Gambit: Metal-Air Battery Technology
Talk has been on the streets for a while concerning lithium-air batteries. In 2014, scientists were already punting them as possible alternatives to lithium-ion.
In principle, these use reduction of oxygen at the cathode, and oxidation at the anode to prompt current flow. The benefits are lighter weight and greater density. Tesla obtained a patent on January 31, 2017 for a hybrid lithium-ion / metal-air battery pack. Its latest player in its corporate battery games proposes:
- A method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate …
- While maintaining ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration …
- Minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
Why Elon Musk Will Stay with Lithium-Ion for Now
Metal-air batteries may remain a scientist’s dream in terms of practicality and cost. However, Tesla does appear to have ideas for controlling air supply while charging. Elon Musk has a penchant for success. A time may come when metal-air is more than simply corporate battery games.
Related
Structural Batteries To Lighten Electric Vehicles
Preview Image: Lithium-Air Battery
