There’s much talk in media about solid-state electrolyte. We review why solid state could side-step lithium-ion in the near future. We most certainly need better batteries to help counter growing global warming. More powerful batteries could speed our transition from coal, oil, and gas. But will they be solid-state or lithium-ion, we wonder?
Could Solid State or Lithium-Ion Be the Winner?
Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology in renewable energy storage and electric vehicles. However, they have drawbacks that make them less than ideal. Bradenton Times Earth Talk counts limited capacity, short lifespans, safety hazards, and huge carbon footprints among these disadvantages.
Battery researchers have been vigorously exploring lithium-ion alternatives. They increasingly focus on solid-state batteries, because replacing liquid electrolyte with solid tackles lithium-ion’s disadvantages head on.
Many battery scientists believe solid batteries could reduce the fire risk, while increasing storage capacity. Others prefer to improve existing lithium-ion batteries, because so much money and manufacturing capability is invested in them.
However, environmentalists doubt that tweaking chemistry will bring the two technologies on par. They emphasize that solid batteries use fewer materials, and “could reduce climate impacts by 39% compared to lithium-ion,” again according to Bradenton Times.
Electric Vehicle Makers at the Forefront of Change
Electric vehicle makers are aware of consumer safety concerns, and user driving range anxiety in winter. Many auto manufacturers are pursuing solid options. Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan and Honda are all showing signs of believing solid batteries could replace lithium-ion in their vehicles.
However, significant challenges are still holding back widespread acceptance of solid batteries in renewable energy storage. Manufacturers need to find a way to manage startup prices, until demand increases and they achieve significant economies of scale.
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Solid State EV Battery Race Accelerating
