Next generation of batteries in the works
Volkswagen says it expects good results from new tech
Beijing: Solid-state batteries, valued for their high energy density and enhanced safety features, are deemed the ideal choice for the next generation of electric vehicles (EVS) – and this technology has witnessed advancements recently.
Differing from conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries employ a solid electrolyte, eliminating the risk of uncontrolled energy flow and fires while enabling greater energy density, resulting in more compact and lighter battery cells.
German auto giant Volkswagen said last Wednesday that its battery arm Powerco has seen promising results with solid-state cells during recent tests. A prototype from its partner, Quantumscape, experienced only a 5% storage capacity loss after more than 1,000 charging cycles, equivalent to 500,000 km on the road.
Volkswagen said it has “significantly exceeded” industry targets, set at 700 charging cycles and a maximum loss of 20% capacity.
“These are very encouraging results,” Powerco chief executive Frank Blome said.
“The final result of this development could be a battery cell that enables long ranges, can be charged super quickly and practically does not age,” he added.
The US solid-state battery specialist Quantumscape wants to expedite the market introduction of the cell “as quickly as possible”, founder and chief executive Jagdeep Singh said, but scaling up production of automotive-grade batteries has proved tricky.
The industrialisation of solid-state batteries is confronted by high costs and the difficulty of balancing high electrical conductivity with good processing performance, says a report from China Auto Think Tank.
In response, the semisolid-state battery pack emerges as a transitional solution, incorporating both solid-state and liquid-state electrolytes, with the liquid electrolyte comprising 5% to 10% of the composition.
Operating on solid-state battery principles, it boasts a cost comparable to traditional lithium-ion batteries and high compatibility with conventional lithium-ion battery production lines, significantly reducing equipment investment, the report noted.
Chinese battery providers have made advancements in recent years by developing semi solid-state batteries.
Beijing Welion New Energy Technology has provided semi solid-state battery cells with an energy density of 360 watt-hours per kilogramme (Wh/kg) for the Nio ET7 sedan, featuring a 150 kilowatt-hour battery pack.
In mid-december, Nio announced the completion of the range challenge with the ET7, equipped with the 150 kwh semi solid-state battery, achieving a final driving mileage of 1,044km in 12.4 hours.
Welion said the mass supply of semi solid-state batteries to Nio will start from April. The company achieved a monthly installed capacity of 0.41 gigawatt-hours in November, marking the initial step into mass production of semi solid-state batteries.
Gotion High-tech has developed semi solid-state batteries with a single-cell energy density of 360Wh/kg and has introduced a prototype featuring a higher energy density of 400Wh/kg.
Meanwhile, Ganfeng Lithium has provided semi solid-state batteries for the Dongfeng Aeolus E70 sedan and Voyah Passion sedan.
In late December, Chinese automaker Changan and Ganfeng Lithium announced a collaboration to develop solid-state batteries.
The partnership involves establishing a joint venture with equal shareholdings, aimed at accelerating research, development and manufacturing of solid-state batteries.
The collaborative effort seeks to construct an internationally competitive base for solid-state battery technology, assisting its swift industrialisation, Ganfeng chairman Li Liangbin said. — China Daily/ann