Skip to content

Silicon promises cheaper, more powerful and durable LiBs

In a market exploring new battery compositions, a new breakthrough could ensure that lithium-ion retains a leading position in e-mobility. By Will Girling

A valuable combination of attributes—including high power-to-weight ratio and energy efficiency, low self-discharge, and good performance when operating at high temperatures—have seen lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) assume a dominant position in e-mobility.

However, the lithium-ion chemistry still has drawbacks that make it a far from optimal solution for use in vehicles. Among the most prevalent cited by the US Department of Energy (DoE) include high manufacturing costs (linked to raw material supply challenges), durability issues, and safety concerns related to overheating.

While some players are subsequently advocating for alternative chemistries, others believe that lithium-ion still has room for improvement. Subsequently, in March 2023, researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) announced the development of a new polymer coating that could increase a LiB’s power and boost its average lifespan by 50%. LBNL is a US DoE national lab managed by the University of California.

It’s time to log in (or subscribe).

Not a member? Subscribe now and let us help you understand the future of mobility.

Pro
£495/year
or £49.50/month
1 user
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
no
OEM Tracker
no
OEM Model Plans
no
OEM Production Data
no
OEM Sales Data
no
Pro+
£1,950/year
or £195/month
1 user
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
yes
OEM Tracker
yes
OEM Model Plans
yes
OEM Production Data
yes
OEM Sales Data
yes
Pro+ Team
£3,950/year
or £395/month
Up to 5 users
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
yes
OEM Tracker
yes
OEM Model Plans
yes
OEM Production Data
yes
OEM Sales Data
yes
Pro+ Enterprise
Unlimited
News
yes
Magazine
yes
Articles
yes
Special Reports
yes
Research
yes
OEM Tracker
yes
OEM Model Plans
yes
OEM Production Data
yes
OEM Sales Data
yes

Welcome back , to continue browsing the site, please click here