Belgian tech company Imec has created a solid-state battery that could significantly boost the range of electric cars by 50%.
However, there's a big drawback: the battery can only handle 100 charges before it starts losing its ability to hold power.
Longer Range and Safer Design
According to the auto magazine Boosted, the battery was developed in collaboration with 13 partners and boasts an energy density of 1,070 Wh per liter. This makes it more powerful than the lithium-ion batteries currently used in electric vehicles (EVs).
This additional power allows cars to travel farther on a single charge.
The battery is also designed to be less flammable, making it safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
As reported by Dutch media AD, Imec claims the production costs could be less than $160 per kilowatt-hour, which might make it more affordable in the future.
The major downside?
This new battery can only handle 100 charge cycles before it starts to lose its capacity.
In comparison, most lithium-ion batteries in today’s electric cars can last through around 2,000 cycles before degrading.
Imec’s battery is still in the prototype phase, and it may take years before it’s ready for widespread use in electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, other companies are also working on solid-state batteries. Mercedes-Benz is partnering with Factorial to have these batteries ready by 2030, while Chinese car brand MG says they could launch solid-state technology as soon as 2025, with Nissan aiming for 2028.
