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Lithium-Ion Breakthroughs Promise a Greener Road Ahead for EVs

Recent innovations in battery chemistry are extending EV range while simultaneously reducing the environmental cost of production and disposal

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By Veronika Wright · · Battery TechnologyElectric VehiclesElectrified VeronikaSustainability
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Recent innovations in battery chemistry are extending EV range while simultaneously reducing the environmental cost of production and disposal

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In sustainable transportation, the conversation often pivots to the technology powering our journey toward a greener future. At the heart of this dialogue is the evolution of battery technology, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which have become a cornerstone for electric vehicles (EVs). Dr. Veronika Wright also known as Electrified Veronika™ offers a glimpse into the significant strides made in this field, emphasizing the advancements in lithium-ion technology that allow vehicles to achieve impressive ranges on a single charge. Yet, the narrative doesn’t halt at current capabilities; it extends into exploring future possibilities and challenges.

How can the automotive industry balance the need for energy-dense batteries with the imperative to reduce reliance on critical raw materials?

Dr. Wright delves into this by highlighting a shift towards more sustainable battery chemistries that forego rare materials like cobalt, in favor of alternatives that could offer a more eco-friendly blueprint for the future of electric mobility.

“I think with today’s lithium-ion battery technology, we are at a point where we can easily get like two hundred, three hundred, and even four hundred miles on one single charge… So I believe within the next ten years, in the passenger vehicle sector, will actually move away from this very energy-dense battery chemistry and probably more move towards cheaper, which means probably less energy-dense chemistry and also chemistry that does not contain so many critical raw materials,” Dr. Wright said.

within the next ten years, in the passenger vehicle sector, will actually move away from this very energy-dense battery chemistry and probably more move towards cheaper, which means probably less energy-dense chemistry and also chemistry that does not contain so many critical raw materials.
— Dr. Veronika Wright

Video TranscriptExpand ↓

I think with two days, lithium ion battery technology, we are at a point where we can easily get like two hundred, three hundred, and even four hundred miles on one single charge. And I do believe that this is sufficient for many or most of the applications in the passenger vehicle area. So if I look ahead, like, for the next ten years, I would say that we will still see this state of the art lithium ion technology that we have today. You know, the most common chemistry is NMC chemistry today in vehicle, so nickel manganese and cobalt. So I believe within the next ten years, in the passenger vehicle sector, will actually move away from this very energy dense battery chemistry and probably more move towards cheaper, which means probably less energy dense chemistry and also chemistry that does not contain so many critical raw materials. You know, the problem that is very often discussed with NMC is actually getting the cobalt And there has been a shift already and a couple automakers have announced that that they are switching over from NMC LFP chemistry so that would be iron based. And, obviously, that is much better in terms of the critical raw material supply chain also, there is sodium ion technology next to lithium ion technology, and all that will just help diversify what we have on the market and kind of take the pressure away from these very critical materials that we need for battery technology in different applications. Only electric vehicles, but of course also energy storage systems, for example.

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About the author

Veronika Wright
Veronika WrightEV & Battery Consultant

Veronika Wright is passionate about all facets of clean transportation and the creation of value for clean energy. She is eager to leverage her educational background and industry experience to assist individuals and companies in achieving success throughout the entire battery value chain. Wright is available for consultations on business models, technological and innovation challenges, as well as educational opportunities in the fields of electrification and batteries. She offers her services internationally. Wright holds a Dr. techn. degree in Technical Physics from Graz University of Technology.

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About the Expert

Veronika Wright
Veronika Wright

EV & Battery Consultant

Veronika Wright is passionate about all facets of clean transportation and the creation of value for clean energy. She is eager to leverage her educational background and industry experience to assist individuals and companies in achieving success throughout the entire battery value chain. Wright is available for consultations on business models, technological and innovation challenges, as well as educational opportunities in the fields of electrification and batteries. She offers her services internationally. Wright holds a Dr. techn. degree in Technical Physics from Graz University of Technology.

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