Articles tagged with "battery-lifespan"
New research could dramatically boost next-gen EV battery lifespans
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have made a breakthrough in improving the lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries, which are considered a promising next-generation energy storage solution for electric vehicles, drones, and advanced systems. These batteries offer 30–50% higher energy density and simpler manufacturing compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries but have been hindered by rapid performance degradation due to interfacial instability between the electrolyte and the electrode. The KAIST team, led by Professors Jinwoo Lee and Sung Gap Im, addressed this challenge by applying an ultrathin (15 nanometers) polymer coating to the copper current collector electrode using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). This coating enhances battery durability by managing electrolyte interactions and promoting the formation of a stable, inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which prevents excessive electrolyte breakdown and uneven lithium plating. Unlike previous approaches focusing on electrolyte modifications, this electrode surface engineering method controls lithium-ion movement and electrolyte reactions without altering
energylithium-metal-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-lifespanelectrode-surface-modificationpolymer-coatingenergy-storage-systemsUS scientists boost batteries' lifespan, fix capacity degradation issue
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have identified key causes of capacity degradation and shortened lifespan in lithium-ion batteries, particularly those using nickel-rich cathode materials. Their study, published in Nature Nanotechnology, reveals that the common assumption that single-crystal Ni-rich layered oxide (SC-NMC) cathodes degrade similarly to polycrystalline Ni-rich materials (PC-NMC) is incorrect. Unlike PC-NMC, where mechanical failure is linked to volume changes causing particle cracking, SC-NMC degradation is driven by multidimensional lattice distortions caused by reaction heterogeneity and chemical phase deactivation. The research redefines the roles of cobalt and manganese in battery stability: cobalt, previously seen as detrimental in PC-NMC, is crucial in SC-NMC for mitigating localized strain and enhancing longevity, while manganese worsens mechanical degradation. This insight challenges existing design strategies and materials used in cathodes, suggesting that new materials and approaches are necessary for optimizing single-cr
energybatterieslithium-ionbattery-lifespancapacity-degradationmaterials-scienceelectric-vehicles12V sodium battery for EV systems promises 5,000+ cycles, 10x lifespan
UNIGRID has introduced its Na⁺ Fleet platform, a 12V starter battery system based on sodium-ion NaCrO₂ (NCO) cells, targeting the global $50 billion battery replacement market dominated by lead-acid batteries. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, which are heavy, require frequent maintenance, and typically need replacement multiple times during a vehicle’s life, the Na⁺ Fleet cells offer significant advantages including a lifespan exceeding 5,000 cycles—about 10 times longer than lead-acid counterparts—and the ability to be stored indefinitely at 0% state of charge without capacity loss or maintenance charging. The Na⁺ Fleet batteries operate within a voltage range of 8 to 14.4V, compatible with existing vehicle alternators and do not require an active Battery Management System due to passive balancing. They deliver more than twice the cold cranking amps of lead-acid batteries across a wide temperature range (–40°C to 60°C), addressing performance issues under
energysodium-ion-batteryelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyNaCrO2-chemistrybattery-lifespanenergy-storageVinFast's Residual Value Pledge: A Guarantee or a Gimmick in the Philippine EV Race? - CleanTechnica
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has launched a Residual Value Guarantee (RVG) program in the Philippines, promising to buy back its vehicles at up to 90% of the original price for up to three years. This initiative aims to address consumer concerns about EV depreciation and battery lifespan, which have hindered adoption in the region. The RVG offers buyback values of 90% after six months, 86% after one year, 78% after two years, and 70% after three years—significantly higher than typical industry depreciation rates. The program covers VinFast’s entire Philippine lineup and is complemented by a 10-year vehicle warranty and three years of free charging, creating a comprehensive support ecosystem for buyers. VinFast has already implemented this program in Indonesia, where it has honored buybacks without issue, indicating a genuine commitment rather than a marketing gimmick. However, the guarantee is conditional: vehicles must adhere to mileage limits and maintenance schedules to qualify, protecting VinFast
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-marketresidual-value-guaranteeVinFastgreen-mobilitybattery-lifespanThese Electric Car Batteries Lasting The Longest - CleanTechnica
A recent study by Swedish used car platform Kvdbil analyzed the battery health of 723 fully electric vehicles (EVs) and 643 plug-in hybrids, finding that about 80% retained 90% or more of their original battery capacity after several years. Although the exact duration of use was not specified, this suggests that EV batteries may last longer than internal combustion engines, alleviating a common concern among potential and current EV owners. The study also identified the top 10 EV models with the best battery longevity, led by the Kia EV6, followed by the Kia e-Niro and Tesla Model Y, highlighting that popular models maintain strong battery health over time. The article emphasizes that while there is often an overemphasis on battery range, real-world usage patterns—such as charging every 2–3 days—make range less critical than battery durability. The findings are encouraging for both current owners and prospective used EV buyers, particularly for models like the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologybattery-lifespanEV-batteriesclean-energysustainable-transportationEV batteries could keep 96% power after 1,300 cycles with silver tech
Researchers from Korea University have developed a novel silver-ion coating technology that significantly enhances the lifespan and safety of lithium-metal batteries, a promising next-generation energy storage solution. This ultrathin coating prevents the formation of dendrites—hazardous, tree-like lithium structures that cause short circuits and battery failures—by promoting uniform lithium deposition on the electrode. The method involves alternating layers of silver ions and trithioisocyanuric acid (TCA) applied via a simple, room-temperature solution process without complex synthesis or high-temperature treatments. During battery operation, silver ions convert into nanoparticles that guide even lithium growth, while TCA forms a stable matrix preventing surface damage. Laboratory tests demonstrated that batteries using this coating maintained over 96% capacity after 1,300 charge-discharge cycles and operated stably for more than 2,000 hours, marking a significant improvement in cycling stability and safety. The researchers emphasize that this technology addresses the critical challenge of dendrite formation, which has hindered the
energylithium-metal-batteriessilver-ion-coatingbattery-technologyenergy-storagebattery-safetybattery-lifespanScientists use ‘radical’ material for 1,500-cycle next-gen battery
Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Technical University of Berlin have developed a novel material based on a radical-cationic covalent organic framework (COF) that significantly enhances lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery performance. This new crystalline organic polymer features high porosity, customizable structure, low density, and chemical stability. Crucially, the COF material traps polysulfides—byproducts that typically dissolve and degrade battery life—within its porous structure, preventing their migration and thus extending battery lifespan. The material incorporates tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) radical units that act as catalysts, converting trapped polysulfides back into usable sulfur, which addresses a major limitation of Li-S batteries. Experimental analyses, including solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, demonstrated that the radical cations in the COF facilitate the breaking and reforming of sulfur-sulfur bonds, effectively regenerating the battery’s active material. This innovation allows Li-S batteries to sustain over
energylithium-sulfur-batteriesbattery-materialscovalent-organic-frameworkenergy-storagebattery-performancebattery-lifespanNew dual-shell coating boosts lifespan of lithium-rich batteries
Researchers from Hebei University and Longyan University in China have developed a novel dual-shell coating, termed LiF@spinel, that significantly enhances the durability and performance of lithium-rich cathodes in lithium-ion batteries. This design integrates two protective layers: a spinel buffer that facilitates rapid lithium-ion transport and an outer lithium fluoride (LiF) layer that chemically bonds with nickel-fluoride anchors to shield the cathode from corrosive electrolyte attacks. Constructed via in situ reconstruction, the coating forms a seamless 3D network confirmed by advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Performance tests demonstrated that batteries with this coating retained 81.5% capacity after 150 cycles at 2 C, outperforming uncoated counterparts, and maintained over 80% capacity even under ultrafast cycling at 5 C, with reduced resistance and fewer degradation by-products. This breakthrough addresses key challenges in lithium-ion battery technology, such as cathode instability, electrolyte breakdown, capacity fade, and safety risks, which
energylithium-ion-batteriesbattery-technologymaterials-scienceenergy-storageclean-energybattery-lifespanEV batteries could offer longer lifespan, higher safety with new tech
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed an AI-driven model that significantly enhances the accuracy and robustness of electric vehicle (EV) battery health and lifetime predictions, improving these metrics by up to 65% and 69%, respectively. The model leverages a machine learning framework built on a digital twin approach, which integrates key design parameters with real-world battery behaviors under various fast charging and discharge conditions typical of Nordic climates. This framework enables rapid health assessments within seconds by inferring six critical design parameters from short charging segments, offering a detailed understanding of the chemical processes inside lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) and their aging mechanisms. The study, conducted in collaboration with Aalborg University and published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, addresses the persistent challenge of EV battery degradation that limits battery lifespan and slows the electrification of transport. By moving beyond treating batteries as “black boxes” and instead modeling their internal chemical reactions, the new approach allows for better battery management and control systems that can extend battery life and improve
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyAI-in-energybattery-lifespanmachine-learningbattery-management-systemsSmart coating makes lithium-sulphur batteries last 5x longer
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have developed a patented smart coating called HiSep-II that significantly extends the lifespan of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, potentially making them five times longer-lasting. Li-S batteries, which promise higher energy density, faster charging, better safety, and lower costs compared to lithium-ion batteries, have been hindered by rapid degradation caused by the shuttle effect—where lithium polysulfides migrate between the battery’s electrodes, reducing capacity. The HiSep-II coating, applied to the battery separator, acts as a selective filter that blocks these harmful polysulfides while allowing lithium ions to pass, thereby mitigating degradation. Lab tests show that Li-S cells with the HiSep-II coating can increase their charge cycle life from about 200 to 1,000 cycles, which could translate into lighter and more efficient battery packs for electric vehicles—potentially reducing battery pack weight by over 200 kilograms. The coating is also cost-effective, environmentally friendly
energylithium-sulphur-batteriesbattery-technologyelectric-vehiclessmart-coatingbattery-lifespanenergy-storageUS study shows zinc-ion batteries get stronger with fast charging
A US research team led by Hailong Chen at Georgia Tech has discovered that fast charging zinc-ion batteries actually strengthens them, contrary to the common belief that fast charging degrades battery life. Zinc-ion batteries, which are abundant, low cost, nonflammable, and environmentally safer than lithium-ion batteries, have been limited by the growth of dendrites—needle-like zinc deposits that cause short circuits and reduce battery performance. The study found that charging at higher currents suppresses dendrite formation, resulting in smooth, densely packed zinc layers that enhance battery longevity and safety. The researchers developed a novel tool to observe zinc behavior under various charging rates in real time, enabling them to identify why fast charging prevents dendrite growth. While this breakthrough addresses the anode side of the battery, efforts are ongoing to improve the cathode and overall battery durability, including experimenting with zinc blends. This advancement could significantly impact energy storage solutions, making zinc-ion batteries viable for applications like home solar energy storage and grid stabilization, offering
energyzinc-ion-batteriesfast-chargingbattery-technologyrenewable-energybattery-lifespansustainable-materials