Are lithium-ion batteries triggering another revolution?

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Lithium-ion batteries have already changed the world, putting smartphones, laptops and wireless headphones in the hands of billions of people. Now they are triggering another revolution.

How will lithium-ion batteries improve performance and reduce cost?

In the coming years, lithium-ion batteries are likely to undergo tweaks that improve performance and reduce cost, for example by adding manganese to the cathode, blending more silicon in the graphite anode or increasing nickel at the expense of cobalt in NMC cells.

Is there a revolution brewing in batteries for electric cars?

There’s a revolution brewing in batteries for electric cars. Japanese car maker Toyota said last year that it aims to release a car in 2027–28 that could travel 1,000 kilometres and recharge in just 10 minutes, using a battery type that swaps liquid components for solids.

Why are lithium batteries so popular in EVs?

As the source of the power, the lithium batteries’ energy density and fast charge ability largely determine the practical application value and popularity of EVs. At the material level, stabilizing the electrode-electrolyte interface is undoubtedly the essence of breaking the performance limit.

What will be the future of battery technology?

Then there might be improved lithium-ion batteries, maybe using silicon anodes or rocksalt cathodes, for mid-range vehicles, or perhaps solid-state lithium batteries will take over that class. Then there might be LiS or even lithium–air cells for high-end cars — or flying taxis. But there’s a lot of work yet to be done.

When did the battery Revolution start?

The revolution started during the oil crisis of the 1970s when society was hungering for alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Batteries then, such as lead–acid and nickel–cadmium, did not offer much hope for high-energy output.