Researchers from the University of Washington and Stanford University, in collaboration with Toyota Corporation, have uncovered a promising technique that could significantly extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). Traditionally, these batteries undergo a slow, ten-hour pre-charge using a weak current to form a protective semi-solid-state layer on the negative electrode. This process, while essential for safeguarding the lithium in the electrode, typically results in a loss of up to 9% of the lithium. The slower the charge, the less lithium is lost, making this method the industry standard.
However, the new research challenges this convention by demonstrating that a brief, high-current charge can extend battery life by an average of 50%, with some batteries showing an impressive 70% increase in lifespan. The team conducted extensive testing on nearly 200 lithium-ion cells, finding that this method, though leading to a higher initial loss of lithium ions—up to 30%—ultimately results in more durable batteries.
This discovery could be a game-changer for the EV industry, where battery longevity is a critical factor in both vehicle performance and resale value. Longer-lasting batteries would make EVs more appealing in the secondary market, given the significant cost of the battery in relation to the overall vehicle price.
Moreover, this advancement could bolster the concept of replaceable traction batteries, which is gaining traction in markets like China. Companies like Nio have pioneered battery-swapping stations, where drivers can replace their EV battery in just five minutes without leaving their car. If batteries can outlast multiple vehicles, it might encourage more widespread adoption of this model, allowing consumers to lease or rent batteries based on their needs, thereby reducing the overall cost of EV ownership.
As the EV market continues to expand, innovations like this are critical in addressing the industry’s challenges and making electric vehicles a more viable and attractive option for consumers worldwide.
Source: CleanTechnica