Not just lithium batteries, there are more possibilities for car batteries.

Amidst the global energy transition and the wave of automobile electrification, innovations in battery technology and sustainable materials are becoming the core forces driving industry transformation. With the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market, traditional lithium-ion batteries face numerous challenges, such as energy density, charging speed, cycle life, and environmental impact. Meanwhile, automobile manufacturers and various research institutions are actively exploring new battery architectures, material technologies, and recycling solutions to enhance battery performance while reducing production costs and environmental burdens.

This article will focus on four key areas: new battery technologies, innovative applications of advanced materials, development of clean energy, and sustainable automobile manufacturing in the circular economy. These breakthroughs will not only help improve the driving range and safety of electric vehicles but also drive the entire automotive industry chain toward a greener and lower-carbon future.

1. Breakthroughs in New Battery Technologies

The continuous advancement in battery technology is at the core of the electric vehicle industry's development. Scientists and engineers are focusing on research into ultra-fast charging, high energy density, solid-state batteries, and low-cost, environmentally friendly batteries to drive battery technology towards a more efficient and safer future.

1.1 Ultra-Fast Charging and High-Energy Density Batteries

The development of electric vehicles relies on breakthroughs in battery technology, with higher energy density and faster charging speeds becoming key directions for the future. Researchers are actively exploring ways to improve battery range and reduce charging wait times to meet market demands.

Monash University: Ultra-Fast Charging Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Inspired by the chemical principles of a common household disinfectant, iodine tincture, researchers at Monash University have developed a safer and more efficient battery using the unique chemical properties of sulfur. With the help of a new catalyst, the researchers have overcome one of the last barriers to commercialization—the charging speed—making it a viable battery option for heavy use in the real world.

The new battery has twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, and is lighter and more affordable, and could power long-range electric vehicles and commercial drones.

The research team continues to innovate and is currently improving new additives, which are expected to further accelerate charging and discharging times while reducing the amount of lithium needed.

Dalhousie University: New Lithium-Ion Battery Using Single-Crystal Electrodes

Researchers at Dalhousie University analyzed a new type of lithium-ion battery material – a single-crystal electrode – using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan.

Before reaching the 80% capacity cutoff point, the material lasted more than 20,000 cycles, which is equivalent to traveling 8 million kilometers.

When scientists used ultra-bright synchrotron light to observe the interiors of these two types of batteries, things became quite interesting. When examining the internal workings of a conventional lithium-ion battery, researchers discovered a large number of microscopic cracks in the electrode materials, caused by repeated charging and discharging. However, when observing the single-crystal electrode battery, they found almost no evidence of such mechanical stress.

Researchers have stated that the new batteries have already been put into commercial production, and their usage will significantly increase in the coming years.

Florida International University: Beyond Lithium-Ion with Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries are a technology that surpasses lithium-ion batteries, and they are one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and have extremely high energy density (meaning they can store more electrical charge).

After years of testing, El-Zahab's team discovered a solution to extend the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries. Simply adding a small amount of metal to the mixture can do the trick. Platinum can stabilize battery performance and increase storage capacity, bringing it closer to commercial viability.

"After 500 charging cycles, our battery maintains a retention rate of 92%, which means it performs almost as well as a new one," said Aqsa Nazir, a postdoctoral researcher at the El-Zahab Lab and the lead author of the study. "It also shows that we have minimized the negative reactions that harm overall performance, bringing this battery to a commercial level."

1.2 Solid-State and Quasi-Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries are regarded as the main development direction for next-generation power batteries due to their higher safety and energy density. Many companies and research institutions are investing substantial resources in an effort to achieve breakthroughs in commercial mass production.

Factorial: 40Ah All-Solid-State Battery

Factorial, a solid-state battery technology company, announced that its first Solstice? all-solid-state battery has been scaled up to 40Ah capacity, suitable for automotive A-sample. The new battery is manufactured using a novel dry cathode coating process and demonstrates an impressive energy density.

100% dry cathode coating is a new battery manufacturing process that eliminates all harmful solvents in the cathode coating. In addition to the dry coating, Solstice® also eliminates the need for the formation process due to its unique all-solid-state battery design. The coating and formation processes are typically the most energy-intensive processes in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. By combining the use of dry coating and all-solid-state chemical innovations, Factorial reduces operating costs, decreases energy consumption, and minimizes the environmental impact of battery production.

Doshisha University, Japan: Quasi-Solid-State Battery

A research team from Doshisha University and TDK Corporation has developed a non-flammable quasi-solid-state LIB that overcomes the limitations of traditional batteries by combining liquid and solid electrolytes, offering a safer and more durable alternative for high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries.

The new battery design includes a silicon anode and a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode. To enhance compatibility and performance, researchers have developed non-flammable, near-saturated electrolyte solutions tailored for each electrode. These solutions utilize tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) phosphate and methyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl carbonate, which are compatible with the electrodes and the solid electrolyte interface. The resulting 30 mAh-class quasi-solid-state pouch cell demonstrates excellent ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and electrochemical performance.

The LIB proposed in this study holds great potential, contributing to the realization of efficient and safe next-generation wireless devices such as electric vehicles and drones.

1.3 Low-cost environmentally friendly batteries

In addition to high-performance batteries, low-cost, environmentally friendly batteries are also an important area of research. Scientists are exploring ways to reduce reliance on lithium and develop more sustainable battery materials.

University of Chicago: Anode-Free Sodium Solid-State Battery

The University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering has developed a new architecture for sodium batteries, where the collector is wrapped in electrolyte rather than the electrolyte being wrapped around the collector, enabling hundreds of stable charge-discharge cycles.

Aluminum powder is a solid that can flow like a liquid, and researchers used aluminum powder to create the current collector. During the battery assembly process, the aluminum powder is compacted under high pressure to form a solid current collector, while simultaneously maintaining a liquid-like contact with the electrolyte. This enables low-cost and highly efficient cycling.

By eliminating the anode and using cheap, abundant sodium instead of lithium, the new battery will be less costly and more environmentally friendly to produce. With its innovative all-solid-state design, the battery will be both safe and powerful.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Aluminum Sulfur Battery

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and other institutions have developed a new type of battery made entirely from abundant and inexpensive materials, which can provide low-cost backup storage for renewable energy.

Researchers decided to use aluminum, the most abundant metal on Earth, as one of the electrodes, and sulfur, the cheapest among nonmetals, as the material for the second electrode. As for the electrolyte between the electrodes, researchers first ruled out volatile and flammable organic liquids, then experimented with various polymers, and finally settled on using a molten salt with a relatively low melting point (close to the boiling point of water).

In the experiment, the team demonstrated that the battery can withstand hundreds of cycles at a very high charging rate, with an expected cost for each battery being about one-sixth that of comparable lithium-ion batteries.

Researchers say that this new battery structure is very suitable for powering individual homes or small and medium-sized enterprises, and will also be applicable to electric vehicle charging stations in the future.

II. Innovative Applications of Advanced Materials

While improving battery performance, scientists are also looking for more stable and durable battery materials to enhance safety and prolong the lifespan of batteries.

2.1 High-Performance Battery Materials

The selection of battery materials significantly impacts the performance, stability, and lifespan of batteries. Researchers are developing new electrolytes and electrode materials to optimize overall battery performance.

The University of Hong Kong: Crack-Free Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries

A research team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong has developed a new generation of lithium metal batteries, marking a significant advancement in the field. Their innovation focuses on crack-free polymer electrolytes, an essential component of the batteries, which are expected to extend lifespan and enhance safety under high-temperature conditions.

The polyborate anions within the crack-free membrane contribute to accelerating the selective transport of Li+ ions and inhibiting dendrite formation. Ultimately, these anion networks in polymer membranes enable lithium metal batteries to function as safe, long-cycle energy storage devices at high temperatures. After 450 cycles at 100°C, the lithium metal battery exhibits a capacity retention rate of 92.7% and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.867%.

This breakthrough may pave the way for the development of next-generation lithium battery anion polymer electrolyte designs. In addition to applications in high-temperature environments, the microcrack-free electrolyte membrane also has the potential for rapid charging, potentially enabling electric vehicles to charge in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, marking a significant advancement in the future of clean energy.

Toshiba: Cobalt-free high-voltage cathode lithium-ion battery

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation announced the development of a new type of lithium-ion battery that uses cobalt-free 5V high-voltage cathode materials, which can significantly suppress the generation of gases that lead to performance degradation due to side reactions.

The battery combines a new type of cathode with a niobium titanium oxide (NTO) anode. In tests, the battery demonstrated a high voltage of over 3V, the ability to charge to 80% capacity in just 5 minutes, high power performance, and excellent lifespan characteristics, even maintaining these performances at a temperature of 60°C.

The target applications for this battery include electric tools, industrial applications requiring high voltage from small battery packs, and electric vehicles.

2.2 New Cooling Technology

The thermal management of batteries plays a crucial role in safety and performance. Scientists are researching more efficient heat dissipation materials and methods to improve the stability of batteries.

Hyundai Mobis: Pulsating Heat Pipe Cooling System

Hyundai Mobis announced the development of a new battery cell cooling material to prevent overheating during ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles.

The material known as "Pulsating Heat Pipe (PHP)" is composed of aluminum alloy and refrigerant, placed between battery cells to reduce the peak internal temperature of the battery during fast charging. Even with the increased heat generation during ultra-fast charging, by adopting a stable thermal management system capable of withstanding heat, the charging time of electric vehicles is expected to be significantly shortened.

Hyundai Mobis has successfully placed PHP between each battery cell. They rapidly conduct the heat generated by each cell to the cooling block, thereby stably controlling the internal temperature at the module level.

3. Clean Energy and Circular Economy

As the number of electric vehicles grows, battery recycling and sustainable energy exploration are becoming focal points in the industry. Scientists are developing efficient battery recycling technologies while exploring new clean energy solutions to promote sustainable development.

3.1 Recycling of Used Batteries

The recycling and reuse of batteries are crucial for reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. Major automakers and research institutions are developing new methods to restore the performance of aged batteries, enabling them to be used again.

Toyota: Recycling Technology for Used Lithium Batteries

A team of researchers at Toyota Central R&D Labs in Japan has discovered a method to reverse this process and rejuvenate failed lithium batteries. This technique has also been described as "injecting an energy drink into car batteries."

The working principle of this technology is as follows: In short, standard lithium batteries lose lithium ions over time, thereby losing their charging capacity. Researchers have developed a chemical substance called a "recovery reagent," which can be injected into failed batteries to restore their performance. This recovery agent triggers a chemical reaction that replenishes the lithium ions in the battery, allowing it to be used again quickly.

3.2 Future Energy Exploration

In addition to traditional battery technology, scientists are developing entirely new energy storage methods to achieve a more efficient and lasting energy supply.

Bristol University: Carbon-14 Diamond Battery

Researchers at the University of Bristol and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have successfully created the first carbon-14 diamond battery. This new type of battery has the potential to power devices for thousands of years, making it an exceptionally long-lasting energy source.

The working principle of carbon-14 diamond batteries involves utilizing the radioactive decay of carbon-14 (with a half-life of 5700 years) to generate a low level of electrical energy. They function similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electrical energy. However, instead of using light particles (photons), they collect fast-moving electrons within the diamond structure.

Conclusion

As the automotive industry moves toward a low-carbon future, new battery technologies, advanced materials, and sustainable manufacturing methods are becoming key drivers of industrial transformation. From ultra-fast-charging lithium-sulfur batteries to anode-free sodium batteries, and from recycling used lithium batteries to adopting bio-based eco-friendly materials, researchers and companies worldwide are advancing technological innovation at an unprecedented pace.

In the future, the automotive industry will not only be a manufacturer of transportation tools but also a core force in the global energy system transformation. Under the combined influence of clean energy, material innovation, and the circular economy, we are ushering in a new era of more environmentally friendly, efficient, and intelligent automobiles.