Tesla mogul Elon Musk believes electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transportation. According to a Futurism report, Elon Musk made a bold prediction about the future of passenger transportation in a 2017 speech to the National Governors Association. He predicts that in ten years, not only will half of the cars made in the US be electric, but almost all of them will be autonomous.
As the transportation industry shifts to electric vehicles, more research is focused on addressing the rising demand for powerful and sustainable batteries. Electric vehicles will soon adopt new battery technologies that offer greater range, faster charging, lower sticker prices and less range degradation. In addition, these new batteries will be more environmentally friendly.
Harvard researchers develop a solid-state battery
A team of Harvard researchers is taking on the challenge of creating more sustainable batteries with the introduction of a new type of battery, the solid-state battery. The Harvard team greeting their startup Adden Energy includes Xin Li, William Fithugh, Luhan Ye and Fred Hu.
Also read: Tesla EVs: Elon Musk says driver can charge batteries to 100% with no voltage or damage – why?
According to Adden Energy, the prototype solid-state battery, which is barely the size of a small coin, can be fully charged in three minutes and has a durability of 10,000 cycles. To put this into perspective, most modern batteries, such as 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, eliminating the hazards and potential risks commonly associated with lithium-ion batteries. The battery is also said to be significantly more stable and durable, allowing for a much longer life.
Metals found in lithium-ion batteries, such as cobalt, nickel and manganese, are dangerous and can contaminate waterways and ecosystems if they leak from 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
According to Electrive, the Harvard startup has now received a technology license and closed an initial funding round worth $5.15 million USD. The team plans to start with a working battery the size of a human palm, before moving on to a full-sized battery that can be installed in EVs.
“Adden Energy’s mission is to develop advanced battery technologies, enabling the mass adoption of electric vehicles and contributing to a greener and more sustainable global economy,” said Fred Hu, who is also a member of the Global Board of the Nature conservancy.
According to Business Wire, Adden co-founder Li stated that if we want to make progress toward a clean energy future, “electric vehicles should not remain a luxury fashion.” Li also stressed that literally “one percent” of vehicles are on the road, and that the United States will not have a used car market if EV batteries only last 3 to 5 years. This confirms Musk’s prediction for 2017.
Related article: New battery technology is on the way and could solve the most common problems with EVs
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