There’s exciting news on the internet this morning. GAC has built the first production line for electric vehicle solid state batteries. GAC Automobile group is a state-owned automobile maker, and the fifth largest in China. This makes launching the world’s first solid state battery factory production line especially significant, for the ongoing evolution of batteries.
Quick 101 on Solid State Battery Technology
The electrochemical batteries that consumers use to power their portable electric devices, traditionally use liquid or gel electrolytes. Conventional wisdom has long held that this these are the best mediums, for ions to shuttle through between battery electrodes.
However, scientists have known for some time that more stable, solid, non-flammable electrolytes offer theoretically far higher storage density. And, moreover, this ‘solid’ technology could also open the door to higher voltages, and longer cycling lives too.
However, until now, there has been a catch delaying the construction of the first solid state battery factory of significant size. While the technology looks good on paper for electric vehicles, solid-state batteries have disappointingly short operating lives before they degrade.
What Has GAC Been Doing To Take the Plunge
GAC envisions itself as a technological leader in electric vehicle batteries, but also makes electric vehicles for them. To this end, it invests heavily in lithium-ion battery research. But it also shows deep interest in next-generation chemistries, including solid state and sodium-ion options.
Global Times explains how solid-state technology will enable electric vehicles to travel further between charges, and more safely too. Moreover, the manufacturing process is faster and cheaper. This is because it combines slurry preparation, coating, and heat-processing into a single step.
A driving range that is 50% greater than the current best, will undoubtedly re-energize interest in electric road transport. However, the biggest advantage in customers’ minds could well be another assurance. They no longer have a raft of potentially unstable batteries under their seats.
More Information
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