Tesla magnate Elon Musk believes that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transportation. According to a Futurism report, Elon Musk made a daring prediction about the future of passenger transport in a 2017 speech to the National Governors Association. He predicts that not only will half of the cars made in the US in ten years be electric, but that nearly all of them will be autonomous as well.
With the transport industry shifting to EVs, more research is geared toward addressing the rising demand for high-powered and durable batteries. Electric vehicles will soon use new battery technologies that offer greater range, quicker charging, lower sticker prices, and less range degradation. Additionally, these new batteries will be more eco-friendly.
Harvard Researchers Develop a Solid-State Battery
A team of Harvard researchers takes on the challenge of creating more durable batteries with their introduction of a new type of battery called the solid-state battery. The Harvard team hailing their startup Adden Energy is composed of Xin Li, William Fithugh, Luhan Ye, and Fred Hu.
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According to Adden Energy, the solid-state battery prototype, which is barely the size of a small coin, can be fully charged in three minutes and it boasts the durability of 10,000 cycles. To put this into perspective, most modern batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, only have a lifespan of more than 2000 cycles.
According to a Mashable report, the battery is designed and built from high-density solid-state materials, which eliminates the dangers and potential risks usually associated with lithium-ion batteries. The battery is also said to be significantly more stable and durable, allowing for a much longer lifespan.
Metals found in lithium-ion batteries, such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, are hazardous and can contaminate waterways and ecosystems if they leach out of landfills. The advancement of batteries, such as the solid-state battery, will reduce the environmental impact of maintaining EVs.
Adden Energy Secures $5.15 Million Funding
As per Electrive, the Harvard startup has now received a technology license and closed a seed funding round worth $5.15 million USD. The team intends to start with a working battery the size of a human palm before progressing to a full-sized battery that can be installed in EVs.
"Adden Energy's mission is to develop cutting-edge battery technologies, thereby enabling mass adoption of electric vehicles and contributing to a greener and more sustainable global economy," said Fred Hu, who is also part of the Global Board of the Nature Conservancy.
According to Business Wire, Adden co-founder Li stated that if we are to progress toward a clean energy future, "electric vehicles cannot remain a luxury fashion." Li also emphasized that literally the 'one percent' of vehicles on the road, and the United States will not have a used-car market if EV batteries last only 3 to 5 years. This reaffirms Musk's prediction for 2017.
