Next-gen EV batteries promise decades of use

Marian Schultz
January 5, 2025
Become smarter in just 5 minutes
Feeeed serve up the most interesting stories in AI, tech, business, science, and more—all in 5 minutes or less.
Booyah! The first newsletter will go out early next week.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The Rundown: Researchers led by Professor Jeff Dahn at Dalhousie University have developed a single-crystal electrode battery capable of lasting over 20,000 charge cycles — equivalent to 8 million kilometers. This innovation far outpaces conventional lithium-ion batteries, which typically last 2,400 cycles.

The Context:

  • Funded by Tesla Canada, the research focused on preventing internal battery damage using advanced synchrotron light technology.
  • Unlike conventional batteries prone to cracking, the single-crystal electrode design shows almost no degradation, resembling a "brand-new cell" even after extensive use.
  • These batteries are already entering commercial production.

Why it Matters: With the potential to last decades, this breakthrough could redefine EV longevity and carbon efficiency. The technology also opens doors for second-life applications, like renewable energy storage, making EVs more sustainable and cost-effective long-term.

Stay smarter on AI, Tech, Business and What Matters in 5 minutes

Get the 5-minute news brief to keep you in loop. Free forever.