Electric cars have been around for more than a century, but their reach on the road has been hindered due to inadequate battery technology. Nowadays, batteries provide the primary source of power for electric vehicles (EVs), and research continues to advance performance while remaining lightweight, compact and affordable.
The latest advances in battery technology offer significant advantages for electric vehicles (EVs), and will be essential to propelling their adoption. Some of these breakthroughs include:
Lithium-ion Batteries for Better Storage
Lithium-ion batteries offer superior longevity and energy retention compared to lead acid or nickel metal hydride batteries, though they do have some drawbacks, such as thermal runaway.
Advances in Bidirectional Charging
Bidirectional charging not only offers superior power, but it also enables electric vehicles (EVs) to connect to the grid and other vehicles in real time. This reduces the need for home chargers or public charging stations since EVs can charge in just half an hour!
As demand for electric vehicles grows, so will the number of chargers needed to support them. Fast and ultra-fast chargers as well as smart charging capabilities will continue to drive up adoption rates in the coming years.
More Automakers Join Electrification
With an increasing emphasis on climate change, the automotive industry is making strides toward greener vehicles. The market for electric vehicles is expected to expand rapidly over the coming decades as governments push for cleaner options. Many OEMs are exploring electrifying their products – particularly in Europe and China where government policies are driving demand for cleaner options.
These companies are seeking partnerships to reduce risk and rapidly develop new technologies. Ford and Volkswagen have joined forces on several electric vehicle models, while General Motors and Honda are working together on co-developing an array of electric cars.
The development of lithium-ion batteries has enabled electric cars that are lightweight, affordable and powerful. While this development has brought a new level of convenience to EV owners, it also presents some challenges for manufacturers.
Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, can overheat or catch fire if not designed correctly. This could result in fires, explosions and other issues.
Despite these worries, the rapid advancements in battery technologies have created major breakthroughs and an increasingly competitive EV market. As an added advantage, electric vehicles require less upkeep than their gasoline-powered counterparts since they don’t burn any gasoline. As a result, EVs tend to be costlier to run than their gas-powered counterparts due to lack of gasoline consumption and no petroleum use.
Advanced Infrastructure Technology
With an increasing awareness of climate change, more cities are adopting policies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This includes investing in infrastructure like high-speed chargers and charging stations.
In addition to these advances, automakers are developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance electric vehicle performance and reliability. Tesla has created a protective nano layer that expands with the batteries’ temperature, preventing them from overheating and igniting a fire.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen an uptick in sales volumes, particularly in China and Europe due to policy initiatives and increased consumer interest. Although government incentives for EVs have decreased slightly in the US, they still play a significant role in stimulating EV purchases.
