A REVOLUTIONARY battery giving electric cars three times today’s usage rate has been unveiled, sending shockwaves through the sector.
Electric cars present the greatest revolution in four-wheeled travel since their birth in the 1880s. Growing awareness about air pollution and a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have helped drive the technology, although criticism continues about their battery life. But the age of electric cars may finally have arrived, with a lithium-ion battery capable of powering a vehicle for 600 miles being trialled.
Swedish startup Innolith has engineered the battery, but admit it may take up to three years to launch the battery.
The Innolith Energy Battery is the breakthrough technology that potentially can meet everyone’s needs
Innolith CEO Sergey Buchin
Innolith claims it has patents pending for the 1,000 Wh/kg (Watt-hours per kilogram) battery.
This triples the endurance of the Panasonic-produced battery currently used by the Tesla 3.
The Elon Musk-owned electric vehicle company currently gives drivers about 300 miles on one charge.
Innolith’s battery reportedly also packs a bigger punch than those under development by the US Department of Energy, which is targeted for 500 Wh/kg.
Sergey Buchin, Innolith CEO said: “The electric vehicle revolution is currently stymied by the limitations of available batteries.
“Consumers want an adequate range on a single charge in an affordable electric vehicle and confidence that it is not going to catch fire.
“The Innolith Energy Battery is the breakthrough technology that potentially can meet all these needs.”
Innolith’s battery is said to use a specially-designed “inorganic electrolyte”.
The electrolyte has been described as a “salt-like material”.
In addition to providing drivers with a longer charge, Innolith claim their technology will also be safer than current “wet” lithium-ion batteries involving the use of more volatile chemicals.
However, although Innolith’s claims are eye-grabbing, the product is remains under development in its Germany lab and could take another three years to ready.
One of the company’s current crop of batteries is being tested by power company PJM Grid.
The company hopes that the test will help solidify its claims and the batteries efficacy as it looks to bring its innovation to market.
Innolith also said it is looking to start producing its batteries in Germany and eventually license the technology to other manufacturer and battery companies.
Express.co.uk has requested a comment from the Electrochemical Society.
Source: express.co.uk
