A group of researchers at the Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) have come across a finding that could potentially transform the car industry, through its batteries, as we know it.
Dubbed the “holy grail” of batteries, the latest discovery sees the use of lithium-metal for holding greater capacity energy and one that charges faster than current lithium-ion batteries. A notion which is resonated by SEAS associate professor, Xin Li.
As per the study, the lithium-metal battery has an estimated 10,000 charging and discharging capability, giving electric vehicles a similar lifespan as their gasoline counterparts.
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Still to be made viable for commercial adoption, the cutting-edge battery, however, does come with a fundamental problem that the scientists are trying to address. In particular, the technology’s perceived instability. However, by learning its basic thermodynamics, the researchers are hoping to unleash its “superior performance” and subsequently take advantage of its “abundant opportunities.”
As published in the journal Nature, the study cites the intricacy that comes with building the potentially revolutionary battery, underpinned by an “innovative multi-layer approach.” All the while highlighting its remarkable capability for “self-healing,” which could address the problem with degradation as commonplace in today’s car batteries.
And it is better to monitor the condition of the car, restoring and replacing worn-out parts in time. This applies not only to the details of the mechanism, but also to the appearance of the car.