In search of new batteries utilizing alternatives that will go beyond the famed Lithium-ion ones present, Lamborghini has licensed the latest development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that brought forth the TAQ. This so-called TAQ battery promises high-capacity power cells compared to the famed Li-on, regarded for its fast-charging capabilities as well.
More importantly, this new TAQ is an organic battery development from the researchers at MIT, and it is expected that next-generation Lamborghini EVs will feature this promising tech.
Lamborghini Licenses MIT's New TAQ Battery for EVs
Emrick Elias
MIT News announced the latest development behind its massive discovery that could greatly shift the automotive world and power industry towards a newfound battery cathode. As part of its announcement, MIT revealed that Lamborghini licensed its technology's patent earlier today, following a years-long collaboration with the Italian company, and one of MIT's professors, Mircea Dincǎ.
The goal is to move away from lithium-ion, particularly as it uses cobalt and nickel, notoriously known for its drastic mining process and expensive sourcing.
Their study was recently published in the ACS Central Science journal, with Dincǎ serving as the senior author, joined by the lead authors who discovered the material, Tianyang Chen and Harish Banda.
What to Expect from TAQ's Capabilities in the Future
TAQ, or bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone, is an organic, small molecule that the team discovered, considered to be a strong organic conductor that consists of many layers. It is made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, arranged in three neighboring hexagon rows.
This new material is considered to be promising as it offers a 50 percent better energy density compared to the lithium-ion battery chemistry with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC).
One of the main methods of degradation for organic materials is that they simply dissolve into the battery electrolyte and cross over to the other side of the battery, essentially creating a short circuit. If you make the material completely insoluble, that process doesn't happen, so we can go to over 2,000 charge cycles with minimal degradation.
Mircea Dincǎ
MIT's Battery Development and Other Alternatives
Back in 2022, MIT released a paper, spearheaded by Professor Donald Sadoway, regarding a new kind of battery centering on aluminum-sulfur, offering a potential lithium-ion replacement that reduces cost for users. This centers on a renewable energy storage solution that centers on an easily-accessible Earth metal, also known as the "liquid metal batteries" for long-term use.
In the automotive industry, the world has seen a massive search towards looking for Li-on battery replacement, especially regarding its concerns on its mining process and development which is less economical and environment friendly. Many industry leaders already put their bets towards the renowned sodium-ion battery, picking up on the Earth's extremely abundant rock salts, but offering lower energy density.
However, the search did not end there, despite the impressive discoveries and studies behind the battery alternatives that could soon replace the infamous Lithium-ion. This partnership which started six years ago bore its fruit for both MIT and Lamborghini, with the renowned Italian sports car manufacturer getting the license for the TAQ battery, soon to see applications for its use.
