New anode-free battery promises to double EV range in same size

A South Korean research team from POSTECH, KAIST, and Gyeongsang National University has developed a record-breaking anode-free lithium metal battery that nearly doubles the energy density of current electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Achieving a volumetric energy density of 1,270 Wh/L—almost twice the roughly 650 Wh/L of conventional lithium-ion batteries—this innovation could significantly extend EV driving range without increasing battery size. The key advancement lies in eliminating the traditional graphite anode; instead, lithium ions migrate from the cathode and deposit directly onto a copper current collector, freeing internal space to pack more active material within the same volume. Overcoming longstanding challenges with anode-free lithium-metal batteries, such as uneven lithium deposition and dendrite formation that cause short circuits and rapid degradation, the researchers introduced a two-part solution. They combined a Reversible Host polymer framework embedded with silver nanoparticles to guide uniform lithium deposition, and a specially designed electrolyte that forms a stable protective layer (Li₂O