Structural battery should increase the range of electric cars by 70 percent

Researchers have developed a new structural battery that is said to be significantly lighter than classic batteries. Not only could it halve the weight of technical devices, it could also increase the range of electric cars by up to 70 percent.

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel battery made from carbon fiber composites. This structural battery is not only extremely energy efficient, but also as stable as aluminum. At the same time, it should be lightweight, which makes it interesting for commercial applications.

The special thing about the technology is that it acts as a load-bearing structure and at the same time as an energy storage device. If vehicles, aircraft or even electronic devices were to be built from the structural material, both the weight and the energy consumption could be drastically reduced.

How does the structural battery work?

The concept is based on a composite material in which the carbon fiber acts as both a positive and negative electrode. In the anode, it reinforces the material and simultaneously serves as a current collector and active material. In the cathode it acts as a framework for the lithium and as a conductor of electricity.

These multifunctional properties make it possible to reduce the need for heavy metals such as copper or aluminum and reduce the overall weight. According to the researchers, the structural battery can even increase the range of electric cars by up to 70 percent.

The technology has great potential for the future

Scientists have been researching the technology since 2018 and have made enormous progress. The energy density of the battery is now only 30 watt hours per kilogram. This is less than with conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, the benefits lie in weight loss. Less weight means less energy required, which could significantly increase the efficiency of electric vehicles.

The technology is still in its early stages of commercial use. But the possibilities seem promising. Lightweight and energy-efficient vehicles powered by the structural battery could even become the norm. The findings could then also lead to ultra-thin smartphones and laptops. The challenge now is to produce the battery on a larger scale and collect the necessary investments.

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