Articles tagged with "battery-innovation"
New Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan
The article discusses the emerging threat that new sodium-ion battery technology poses to the U.S. coal recovery plan. Despite recent attempts to revive aging coal power plants amid a proclaimed national “energy emergency,” these efforts are faltering due to the rapid advancement and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, coupled with innovative energy storage solutions. In the first half of 2024, renewables accounted for 93% of new capacity additions to the U.S. grid, with solar and energy storage projects making up 83%, underscoring the accelerating shift away from fossil fuels. Sodium-ion batteries are highlighted as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage due to their cost advantages, scalability, and supply chain security. Although the U.S. startup Natron, an early sodium-ion player, recently shut down, Peak Energy—a newer company with experienced leadership from Tesla, Apple, and Powin—has gained significant traction. Peak Energy secured $55 million in Series A
energysodium-ion-batteriesenergy-storagerenewable-energyclean-technologybattery-innovationUS-energy-policyNew thick electrodes with higher energy density can skyrocket EV range
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a novel battery electrode technology that significantly increases energy density, potentially enabling electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve much longer driving ranges. By creating thick electrodes that are both denser and mechanically stronger, the team overcame traditional limitations where increasing electrode thickness required high porosity, which reduces the amount of active material and overall energy storage. Their approach involves designing synthetic boundaries within the electrodes that act as reservoirs for charge, facilitating rapid charge transport even in electrodes that are five to ten times thicker and twice as dense as conventional ones. This innovative method, detailed in a paper published in Nature Communications, uses a geology-inspired transient liquid-assisted densification process to form multifunctional synthetic secondary boundaries. These boundaries not only enhance charge transport but also improve mechanical toughness and strain resistance, mitigating degradation during repeated charge cycles. The resulting batteries demonstrated energy densities exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram at the cell level, a substantial improvement over current commercial batteries. This advancement could significantly extend EV driving ranges by increasing
energybattery-technologyelectric-vehicleselectrodesenergy-densitymaterials-sciencebattery-innovationSolid-State Battery Breakthrough News — Hype Or Hope? - CleanTechnica
Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel self-healing interface for solid-state lithium batteries that mimics a liquid seal by flowing to fill microscopic gaps between the anode and solid electrolyte. This innovation eliminates the need for heavy external pressure and bulky equipment traditionally required to maintain tight contact within the battery. The key mechanism involves the controlled migration of iodide ions under an electric field, which form an iodine-rich layer attracting lithium ions to fill pores at the interface, thereby enhancing stability and performance. This approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces material use without increasing costs, and enables batteries to achieve specific energies exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram—potentially doubling device battery life. While the prototype has shown promising stability and exceptional performance over hundreds of charge/discharge cycles in laboratory tests, the technology remains at an early stage, with significant challenges ahead before commercial viability. Real-world testing under varying temperatures, fast charging, and long-term use is necessary to confirm safety and durability, especially given past costly failures like the
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-technologyenergy-storagematerials-sciencebattery-innovationUS firm’s 'cell-less' EV battery design could add 50% more range
US-based 24M Technologies has developed a novel "cell-less" battery design called Electrode-to-Pack (ETOP) that could enable electric vehicles (EVs) to travel up to 50% farther on a single charge without increasing battery size. Unlike traditional batteries that encase electrodes in individual cells and modules—adding inactive weight and volume—the ETOP system stacks sealed anode and cathode pairs directly into the battery pack. This approach increases the proportion of energy-storing materials from the typical 30-60% to as much as 80%, improving energy density while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs. Combined with 24M’s proprietary safety and performance technologies, the ETOP platform aims to deliver safe, cost-effective batteries capable of 1,000-mile ranges. The innovation addresses the competitive pressure on US industries reliant on imported batteries by offering a domestic technology that promises higher energy density, design flexibility, and lower capital expenditure for manufacturers. Globally, battery research continues to advance, with new
energybattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesEV-batteriesenergy-storagebattery-innovationmaterials-scienceSpotlight On Energy Storage For New York Climate Week
The article highlights recent advancements and strategic developments in energy storage technologies showcased during New York City Climate Week 2025. A key focus is on 24M Technologies, a Massachusetts startup that introduced its innovative ETOP™ (Electrode-to-Pack) battery system, which can increase electric vehicle (EV) driving range by up to 50%. This technology streamlines battery pack design by sealing electrodes in thin polymer films, allowing electrodes to occupy 80% of the pack volume compared to 30-60% in traditional packs. The system supports multiple battery chemistries, offering automakers cost-effective options without sacrificing range. 24M recently secured $87 million in Series H funding, bringing its total investment to over $500 million from strategic global investors. The article also covers the Global Solar Council’s (GSC) expanded mission to include energy storage, positioning itself as the first global voice for this rapidly growing sector. GSC emphasizes the integration of solar and storage technologies as a transformative solution for reliable
energy-storageEV-batteries24M-Technologiesrenewable-energybattery-innovationsolar-powerenergy-technologyBeyond lithium: inside the Goliath battery revolution
The article features insights from Graeme Purdy, CEO and co-founder of Ilika, on the company’s flagship solid-state battery project, Goliath, which is poised to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) energy storage. Solid-state batteries offer significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion cells, including higher energy and power density, intrinsic safety, and faster charging. Purdy highlights that these batteries are safer, passing rigorous tests like the nail penetration test without catching fire, which reduces the need for heavy protective engineering and thus lowers vehicle weight and cost while increasing range. Contrary to common perceptions, Purdy asserts that solid-state batteries can be cost-competitive due to cheaper materials and more energy-efficient manufacturing processes, potentially saving thousands on battery pack costs and narrowing the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles. Looking ahead, Purdy is optimistic that solid-state batteries will enter low-volume production within a few years and become dominant in the EV market within five years. He acknowledges China’s dominant role in EV
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-storagebattery-safetybattery-innovationSodium Batteries: Yet Another Sign EVs Are Here To Stay
energysodium-batterieselectric-vehiclesEV-technologybattery-innovationsustainable-energyclean-transportationNorway Has More Energy Transition Plans In The Works
energyEVoffshore-windenergy-storagecharging-stationsbattery-innovationrenewable-energy