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The world’s most powerful new battery could completely transform electric cars, extending their range by 70% and reducing the size of smartphones to that of a credit card. Find out how this innovation will change the future of technology!
A revolution in energy storage is underway, thanks to innovation from researchers at the University of Chalmers Technology, in Sweden. They have developed the most powerful battery in the world, capable of increasing the autonomy of electric vehicles by up to 70%.
This advancement not only promises to improve the performance of electric vehicles, but also paves the way for new applications, such as ultra-thin cell phones and more portable laptops. leves, as disclosed in a recent statement.
Challenges in the electrified transport sector
Despite the growth in the adoption of electric cars, the full transition to an electrified, fossil-free future still faces challenges.
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Long-distance transportation, such as ships and airplanes, relies on fuels that are high in energy density and light enough to be transported in large quantities. Traditional batteries, while more environmentally friendly, are much heavier than fossil fuels, making them difficult to use in larger vehicles.
The solution may be in most powerful battery in the world, which was developed to be an integral part of the vehicle structure, replacing the concept of dead weight.
These structural batteries help reduce energy consumption and, consequently, increase the autonomy of vehicles.
The development of structural batteries
A research team led by Professor Leif Asp, a specialist in Materials Mechanics and Industrial Science, has been exploring the use of carbon fibers in structural batteries.
In 2018, the group demonstrated that carbon fibers could store electrical energy and act as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. Since then, significant progress has been made, with the team increasing the battery’s energy density to 30 Wh/kg in recent reports.
While this capacity still falls short of conventional lithium-ion batteries, the true impact of most powerful battery in the world lies in its multifunctionality.
Because they are part of the vehicle’s structure, these batteries do not need to reach the same storage capacities to be effective. According to the team’s calculations, electric vehicles equipped with these batteries could run up to 70% longer than current models.
How carbon fiber transforms batteries
The secret to the success of structural batteries lies in the carbon fiber, which plays multiple roles in the system.
In the latest iterations, carbon fibers are used as positive and negative electrodes, as well as acting as structural reinforcement, current collector and active material. This means the battery can be manufactured without the use of heavy materials such as copper or aluminum, helping to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
Additionally, the battery uses a semi-solid electrolyte to transport lithium ions, which reduces the risk of fire, a common concern with traditional batteries.
While the current version still has power limitations, the Asp team is focused on improving this area.
Another significant advance is the increased rigidity of the battery, which can now carry loads comparable to materials such as aluminum, but with much less weight.
This makes it one of the most advanced multi-purpose batteries in the world, and potentially the most powerful battery in the world developed to date.
The future of structural battery technology
The implications of this technology are vast. In addition to revolutionizing electric transportation, structural batteries could be applied to a variety of electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptops, making them lighter and more efficient.
According to Asp, cell phones as thin as credit cards and laptops that weigh half as much as current ones are not far from becoming a reality.
However, for this technology to have a significant impact on the transportation industry, large investments will be required.
Yet this is where structural batteries can make the biggest difference, enabling a faster transition to a sustainable and efficient transportation future.
This breakthrough marks an important step in the search for innovative solutions to address global energy challenges. As research advances, structural battery technology is expected to help transform both transportation and electronic devices, enabling a cleaner, more efficient world.
