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Gel and lithium-ion tech could enable 1000-mile EV range on one charge
(interestingengineering.com)
this post was submitted on 10 Feb 2024
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Or, better yet, they could provide the same range in smaller, lighter vehicles with less resource use.
From the article:
"Moreover, the silicon-gel electrolyte system demonstrated ion conductivity comparable to conventional batteries while achieving a remarkable 40 percent increase in energy density. This represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, offering a practical solution ready for immediate application."
So, same energy output, lower weight, similar range. Would be good if this soon becomes a drop in replacement option for older EVs that are nearing EOL on their batteries and require new ones anyway.
I've always said that about one of my big reasons for buying an EV several years ago. By the time I'm in need of a replacement battery, it will be better in virtually every way - safer, faster to charge, higher capacity, lighter, and (potentially) cheaper. The first replacement battery might not be much of an improvement, but my 3rd might be light-years ahead.
Looking at past actions of capitalism, it is more likely that same type of batteries will be sold for older cars and the new tech batteries will be only made for newer models, unless right to repair takes off, but who knows, still I do hope for a better and more sustainable future.
Since Prius are so popular and plentiful, and now quite old, there are companies supplying newer tech Lion packs with way more capacity, or lighter weight (or both) than the original Prius packs (many with NiMH packs).
I’m on the hunt for old Prius with dead packs as we speak.
No affiliation example pack: https://electronhybridsolution.com/product/toyota-prius-2010-2015-brand-new-hybrid-battery-rebuild-kit/
If other companies do it then it is possible, would love to get extra range on my Chevy volt
Those volt/bolt battery packs are a really neat design, but pretty densely packed, especially the cooling system.
I know a lot of conversions that use the volt/bolt packs, but to put different batteries in a volt would likely take a lot of custom fabrication and probably compromises in interior or storage space.
My only regret was not buying a more popular model. There are fantastic drop-in battery upgrades for the Prius and leaf, but less popular cars like mine will probably never get upgraded
What car did you end up getting?
Ford cmax, only gets about 20 miles on the stock battery. I don't expect anyone to make a better one, and iirc Ford only sold like 1 model year with an upgraded (20%) battery.
I only hope a replacement is available for mine and that it’s not ungodly expensive.
I would be curious if this technology would be viable in other devices as well. I'd like 40% more energy density in my cordless drill and/or laptop please.
Can't wait for carmakers to fight tooth and nail to avoid making this a possibility for aging vehicles.