Revolutionary New Battery Material Could Boost Electric Cars' Range Up to 70%

A team of scientists at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden has made a groundbreaking discovery that could transform the electric vehicle (EV) industry forever. Dubbed as "structural batteries," this innovative material not only stores energy but can also bear loads, effectively doubling as part of the vehicle's structure.

If successfully integrated into production model vehicles, structural batteries could be a game-changer. Currently, EVs have batteries accounting for about 25% of their total weight. By merging the battery with the vehicle's structure, manufacturers could significantly reduce the car's overall weight by reducing the size of the primary battery. This could lead to marked improvements in efficiency, ultimately resulting in longer driving ranges on a single charge.

The new material, made from a carbon fiber composite, boasts tensile strength similar to that of aluminum and an impressive energy density of 30 Watt-hour per kilogramme (Wh / kg). While this may seem less energetic than traditional lithium-ion batteries — known for their 150-250 Wh / kg and 90-160 Wh / kg capacities respectively — its ability to replace heavy structural components more than makes up for it.

Contrasting with NMC or LFP cathodes paired with graphite anodes, common lithium-ion battery compositions primarily designed for energy storage, these new materials could provide substantial weight savings. The bulky casings and management systems required for traditional batteries account for a significant portion of the overall weight, approximately 40%.

Researchers at Chalmers University envision various applications beyond electric vehicles. Smaller devices like laptops and smartphones may benefit from even more dramatic reductions in weight and size. For instance, a laptop could weigh up to half of its current weight, or a smartphone as slim as a credit card.

However, researchers believe this technology still has un explored potential areas for development. Nevertheless, innovations like these underscore the promise of future EVs and portable electronics being lighter — and significantly more efficient.