Robust battery packs are the future of electric vehicles. This is one of the phrases most heard by those responsible for the automotive industry, always associated with the guarantee that its appearance is close. However, for more than 10 years this promise has remained unfulfilled and now an industry official admits that despite hopeful statements, we’re not going to have solid batteries for the next decade.
So says the CEO of StoreDot, an Israeli lithium-ion battery maker led by Doron Myersdorf. This specialist in the field defends that battery manufacturers must be responsible and commit to manufacturers with realistic dates, avoiding promises that are impossible to keep. Myersdorf argues that continually promising robust battery technology for three to five years and never delivering does not help the industry or the public’s confidence in companies in the sector.
Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot
In solid state batteries, the traditional liquid electrolyte is replaced by a solid that is chemically inert, but still allows movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode and vice versa. There have been working prototypes for a long time, the problem that so far no one has been able to solve concerns the production of this type of accumulators in series, that is, industrialization.
The prototypes confirm that robust batteries (such as the one developed by the Portuguese scientist Maria Helena Braga) not only achieve much higher energy density – which translates into smaller batteries for the same stored energy, or more energy (and autonomy) for the same battery size –, as well as avoid catching fire in case of leakage of liquid electrolyte and supports higher power recharges without overheating.
Although Samsung has already teased robust batteries by 2025, with Chinese battery makers going even further optimistic, promising shorter lead times, Myersdorf advises manufacturers to look at these lead times carefully. Furthermore, the StoreDot man claims that vehicle manufacturers should assess the potential of semi-solid batteries which, according to him, are easier to produce and will reach the market sooner.
Source: Observadora
