Solid-state batteries are a new innovation that can be used in cars instead of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are reaching their maximum capacity, but the market wants more. The solid-state battery can provide for those demands, because of its anodeless architecture, and a solid ceramic separator. These improve safety, charging speed, and weight. It also costs less and has a longer life.
What Are Solid State Batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are made up of an anode, a cathode, a liquid electrolyte and a separator. They have a graphite electrode, a metal oxide electrode, and an electrolyte of lithium salt. Solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte instead. Most of them don’t use lithium, which makes it cheaper and better for the Earth. Some use ceramics or sulfides. Lithium-ion batteries have lots of safety issues, such as swelling from temperature changes, or leaking from external force. Solid-state batteries are much safer because of their solid electrolyte structure, which gives improved stability. It also maintains its form even if it is damaged. It doesn’t have any risk of explosion or fire.
Why do we need these batteries?
There are many reasons. The first is range. People want to be able to drive their electric cars further than what is possible with a lithium-ion battery. If we keep adding more batteries to the car, it will get more expensive, take up more space and get much heavier. This can damage roads that aren’t meant to sustain that weight. The solid-state battery has a higher energy density than a lithium-ion battery, meaning that it has more energy for less weight. This means we don’t have to put as many batteries in cars, which saves space and weight. Another thing that saves weight is the fact that solid-state batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries. This means that car manufacturers wouldn’t have to put in as many safety features. Another reason is that they are cheaper and better for the Earth. Solid-state batteries use little to no lithium. Lithium is expensive, and its mining is bad for the Earth. Instead, solid-state batteries use cheaper materials, lowering the cost. The final reason is charging time. The solid-state batteries that are being produced are said to be able to charge much faster than a lithium-ion battery. Some are said to charge from 10% to 80% in ten minutes.
When Will We Get Solid State Batteries?
Toyota has said that they will release their solid -state battery in 2027, but they have been pushing back the release date for years. Many other companies, such as Volkswagen, QuantumScape, and Honda. Toyota is the leader, but they still aren’t close. There are many difficulties in producing these batteries. One is that the silicone that some companies are using expands, eventually pulverizing itself. Another is that the lithium ions are attracted to the anode on the opposite side of the battery. If one part of the anode is stronger than the other, the lithium ions go to that point and build up. This can eventually split the circuit. Companies are struggling to find a way to overcome these problems. This makes it so no one knows when they will truly come out. When they do finally come out though, the electric vehicle market will benefit.
Related Stories:
https://www.samsungsdi.com/column/technology/detail/56462.html?listType=gallery
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398896-what-are-solid-state-batteries-and-why-do-we-need-them/
https://www.quantumscape.com/technology/
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