And while we’re seeing major improvements to charging speeds and mileage, there’sstill a long way to go.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but solid-state cells promise a better future.
Solid-State vs. Lithium-Ion: What’s The Difference?
The electrolyte solution helps improve the process, slows degradation, and improves the lifespan.
They’re also heavy and not very energy-dense.
Related:Can Old EV Batteries Be Recycled?
Solid-state battery technologypromises to fix most of those pain points.
That solid material can be anything from ceramics, polymers, or sulfites.
Could that be about to change?
There are fewer moving parts, no liquid moving around, and more compact.
They also don’t require the cooling of lithium-ion, which will decrease weight while improving charging speeds.
This could deliver more power, longer-range cars, or more compact and lightweight vehicles.
Additionally, the battery cells themselves will last longer.
Lithium-ion batteries will begin to degrade and lose power capacity after 1,000 cycles.
Many current solid-state batteries can retain upwards of 90% capacity after over 5,000 cycles.
This means EVs will last even longer.
That’s the goal with solid-state battery technology.
When Could We See Solid-State Batteries in EVs?
Unfortunately, the technology and manufacturing just aren’t quite there yet.
Solid-state batteries are expensive and complex to manufacture in the size needed for an electric vehicle.
According toForbes, we still have a long way to go.
Related:Can You Jump-Start a Dead EV Car Battery?
The first lithium-ion battery cells faced similar hurdles.
Over time, the idea is that solid-state batteries will follow the same path and become a viable alternative.
In fact, many automotive brands are working hard to make this become a reality.
Ford and BMW havepartnered with Solid Power, and many others are doing the same.
Final Thoughts
In case you haven’t noticed yet, electric vehicles are the future.
They’re already matching or surpassing gas-powered vehicles in many metrics, and this is only the beginning.
Either way, we’ll have to wait and see.
