February 17, 2025

New Research Indicates Longer Range for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have made an important breakthrough in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). The research focuses on improving the energy storage capacity and charging cycles of batteries, which are crucial for increasing the mileage of EVs.

The bottleneck in lithium-ion battery manufacturing lies in the positive electrode, or cathode, which determines both the energy capacity and cost of the battery. By incorporating more nickel into the cathode, the battery’s ability to store energy is greatly enhanced, resulting in a longer range for EVs. However, the standard method of producing high-nickel cathodes leads to rough and lumpy polycrystal structures, which are prone to cracking and decay.

The research team at PNNL, in collaboration with Albemarle Corporation, has developed a cost-effective approach to address these issues. By introducing a pre-heating step during the manufacturing process, the structure and chemical properties of the transition metal hydroxide are altered, resulting in a uniform single-crystal cathode. This single-crystal cathode exhibits improved stability and performance, even after 1,000 charge and discharge cycles.

According to Stan Whittingham, a Nobel Laureate and distinguished professor of chemistry, this breakthrough allows the use of high-energy density lithium batteries without degradation. It is particularly beneficial for EVs that can be connected to the grid, supporting clean renewable energy sources and enhancing overall resilience.

The synthesis method for the single-crystal cathode is not only innovative but also cost-efficient. It can be easily scaled up using existing production facilities, making it a viable option for cathode manufacturers. The research team plans to work with industry and university partners to realize commercial-scale synthesis and testing in the near future.

Jie Xiao, the principal investigator of the project, highlighted that this work is part of the larger cathode technology development at PNNL. Collaborating with industry leaders like Albemarle allows them to address scientific challenges and reduce manufacturing costs, ultimately driving the widespread adoption of single-crystal cathodes.

The research findings open up new possibilities for the future of electric vehicles. By utilizing high-nickel, single-crystal cathodes, EVs can achieve longer ranges and improved performance, making them more competitive with traditional combustion engine vehicles. This breakthrough paves the way for a more sustainable transportation sector and accelerates the transition to a greener future.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Money Singh
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

Money Singh

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

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