Electrification of transport has been identified as a key strategy for the world to reduce dependence on polluting fuels and confront the climate crisis. But every new technology has its “Achilles heel” indispensable in the energy transition, the mass production of electric batteries increases the pressure on rare earths and, due to the short useful life of 10 to 15 years on average, contributes to the largest amount of waste.
Electric car maker Tesla is aware of these issues and is developing a battery that can last more than 100 years. The company’s advanced battery research center (Tesla Advanced Battery Research), established in 2016, is collaborating with the University of Dalhousie in Canada to develop a nickelbased battery with a significantly longer lifespan than batteries currently used on the market.
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One of the leading researchers is Jeff Dahn, who is considered a pioneer in the field for his contribution to extending the lifecycle of this technology. Thanks to the partnership, the lithiumion batteries currently used by Tesla, called lithium iron phosphate (LFP), have a high energy density and allow a longer charging interval.
In the search for the battery of the future, energy density is very important. Less density means a larger battery is needed to travel a given distance. Higher density batteries, on the other hand, take up less space in the car and allow the driver to travel longer distances without recharging.
The details of the new battery were revealed in an unpublished article published in the scientific journal Journal of the Electrochemical Society. The technology is based on nickel and can last 100 years. Due to the higher energy density, the solution reduces the number of battery cells in cars and helps solve material shortage problems.
learn more /i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_7d5b9b5029304d27b7ef8a7f28b4d70f/internal_photos/bs/2022/d/w/xWCYy6RrW1lSBIAlHmzg/mobilidadeenergiainvestimentosgq.jpg "Tesla reveals electric car battery details that can last more than 100 years 4")
The longevity is impressive: According to the researchers, the battery retains the charge and energy density that correspond to the lithium iron phosphate battery cells (LFP) currently used, even after 100 years. This will load at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (which may vary in real settings).
In addition, thanks to a new lithiumsalt electrolyte, the new battery could offer long life and greater autonomy with little or no cobalt (scarce metal) in its composition.
It will still take some time before the solution actually reaches commercial channels. Research into the secular battery is expected to extend into at least 2026, but it is already signaling a future for more efficient and longerlasting electric vehicles.