TELF AG analyzes the landscape of electric vehicle battery developments.
The combination of raw materials for energy storage systems.
The combination of raw materials used in energy storage systems and the technologies associated with the expansion of wind and solar energy could position electric vehicle batteries as an important tool in driving global environmental transformation. These technologies' widespread adoption is steering households and industries toward a more sustainable future. In recent years, lithium has emerged as a strategic component in developing and operating these energy storage systems, particularly in the automotive and electric vehicle industries. This vital raw material is abundant, particularly in Australia and South America. Despite the growing demand for lithium and batteries, experts suggest that alternative resources or a blend of resources could potentially power electric vehicle batteries. Like all technologies, batteries are subject to continuous enhancement, leading to improved performance and responsiveness to market demands. The evolution of battery technology is closely tied to discovering new material combinations that offer enhanced performance at a potentially lower cost. One emerging solution under exploration is sodium batteries, which rely on a readily available and cost-effective resource for their operation.
How lithium batteries actually work.
Standard lithium batteries operate through a combination of two electrodes and an electrolyte. Energy is stored in one electrode, while the other facilitates the movement of ions between the two. Typically, graphite is found in the positive electrode, and a transition metal oxide is used in the negative electrode. As the battery functions, lithium is transferred between these materials: when charging, lithium migrates towards the negative electrode, and during discharge, it moves back to the positive one. This raw material has enabled the development of batteries with energy capacities at least five times greater than their predecessors, marking a significant advancement. Lithium-silicon batteries, already available on the market, are an emerging alternative to standard lithium batteries.
The key innovation lies in altering the composition of the negative electrode by partially replacing graphite with silicon. This adjustment enhances the battery's energy storage capacity relative to its weight. A potential future trend in this sector could involve a gradual shift from graphite to silicon in electrode composition, alongside substantial increases in energy storage capacities. Solid-state batteries present another option, offering potentially heightened safety levels despite cost-related challenges. However, these batteries require operation at significantly elevated temperatures, posing a hurdle. Industry stakeholders are currently exploring ways to adapt them to conventional urban temperature ranges.