What if electric car batteries could last even longer than the vehicles themselves? A recent study conducted in Canada reveals a major breakthrough in battery technology, capable of transforming our approach to sustainable mobility.
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Current lithium-ion batteries, although efficient, gradually lose their ability to store energy. A new technology, based on single-crystal electrodes, could be a game-changer. Tested for six years, this battery has shown exceptional resilience, paving the way for more durable and economical electric vehicles.
A technology that defies time
Traditional batteries use electrodes made up of many small crystals, prone to micro-cracks during charge and discharge cycles. These cracks gradually reduce their capacity. In contrast, single-crystal electrodes, made of a single solid crystal, better withstand mechanical stress.
This unique structure allowed the tested battery to retain 80% of its capacity after 20,000 cycles, equivalent to 8 million kilometers (5 million miles) traveled. A performance eight times better than current batteries, which often lose 20 to 30% of their capacity in just a few years.
An innovative analysis method
To study this technology, researchers used high-energy X-rays, allowing them to observe the inside of batteries without disassembling them. This non-invasive approach revealed an almost complete absence of cracks in the single-crystal electrodes, unlike traditional batteries.
These observations confirm the superiority of single-crystal electrodes in terms of durability. Researchers have also identified additives and surface coatings capable of further slowing degradation, thereby enhancing battery longevity.
Major implications for the industry
A battery capable of lasting 8 million kilometers (5 million miles) could outlast all other parts of an electric vehicle. This would significantly reduce maintenance costs and limit the environmental impact related to battery production and recycling.
Moreover, these batteries could find a second life in large-scale energy storage, particularly for power grids powered by renewable energy. Their durability makes them ideal candidates for storing solar or wind energy, thus contributing to the energy transition.
Commercialization on the horizon
Although this technology is not yet used in electric vehicles, it is already in commercial production, and its adoption is expected to accelerate in the coming years. Tesla, in particular, is closely interested and has partially funded this research.
This breakthrough marks a turning point in battery technology, promising more durable electric vehicles and more efficient management of renewable energy. With batteries capable of lasting decades, electric mobility could see significant evolution.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND