Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have made significant advancements in battery technology with their development of a new lithium-ion battery that offers fast charging capabilities and extended lifespan. The battery can recharge up to 80 percent in just 10 minutes and sustain this fast charging ability for 1500 cycles.
Traditionally, battery charge and discharge occur as ions travel between the positive and negative electrodes through an electrolyte. ORNL’s team has formulated a new electrolyte that enables faster charging over a sustained period. This electrolyte comprises new formulations of lithium salts with carbonate solvents to improve ion flow over time and withstand the heat generated during fast charging.
This breakthrough effectively triples the Department of Energy’s target for the lifespan of a fast-charging battery. The battery’s high-performance electrolyte consists of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), and carbonates in 2 amp hour pouch cells. The electrochemical stability of this formula at a high charging rate of 6C allows for a fast charging time of 10 minutes.
However, there are still some unanswered questions surrounding this development. The cost of incorporating this new chemistry into an electric vehicle battery is not yet clear, and it remains to be seen if this technology can be made widely available.
While these findings show promising progress in battery technology, other companies are also making significant strides in this field. Toyota recently announced three new liquid electrolyte battery technologies and one solid-state battery for their future EVs, with one lithium-ion battery capable of delivering 497 miles of range and reaching a state of charge of 10-80 percent in just 20 minutes.
Overall, the race to develop faster-charging and longer-lasting batteries for electric vehicles continues. As technology advancements continue, it is only a matter of time before consumers can enjoy the benefits of faster charging times and improved range.
Sources: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Toyota.