Why are lithium-ion batteries getting better and cheaper?

Lithium-ion batteries keep getting better and cheaper, but researchers are tweaking the technology further to eke out greater performance and lower costs. Some of the motivation comes from the price volatility of battery materials, which could drive companies to change chemistries. “It’s a cost game,” Sekine says.

How are lithium ion batteries made?

According to Alex Kosyakov, co-founder and CEO of the battery-component company Natrion, the usual process for manufacturing lithium-ion cathodes and batteries has many steps. Manufacturers begin by taking ores with low initial concentrations of mined metals such as cobalt, manganese, aluminum, and nickel.

What is a lithium ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries and related chemistries use a liquid electrolyte that shuttles charge around; solid-state batteries replace this liquid with ceramics or other solid materials. This swap unlocks possibilities that pack more energy into a smaller space, potentially improving the range of electric vehicles.

Will a new battery chemistry boost EV production?

Expect new battery chemistries for electric vehicles and a manufacturing boost thanks to government funding this year. BMW plans to invest $1.7 billion in their new factory in South Carolina to produce EVs and their batteries. AP Photo/Sean Rayford Every year the world runs more and more on batteries.

Should lithium-ion batteries get a makeover?

Though battery research tends to focus on cathode chemistries, anodes are also in line to get a makeover. Most anodes in lithium-ion batteries today, whatever their cathode makeup, use graphite to hold the lithium ions. But alternatives like silicon could help increase energy density and speed up charging.

What happens if lithium ion batteries break?

Lithium or sodium can be put into metal alloys, Tolbert said. This results in the whole material becoming ductile and amorphous. It can expand without cracking. Usually, battery components are brittle; when they break, the electrical circuit can be damaged. Tolbert's team has also experimented with making lithium-ion batteries charge faster.