The advancements of electric vehicles have created more ways for engineers and producers to get together. Recently, this was at the Battery Show Detroit.
This show seemed like a trade show from a bygone era, with engineers from every automaker in attendance to learn more about the battery technology that could be the future of electric driving. This packed show was exciting and a fantastic departure from recent car shows. The Battery Show Detroit was focused entirely on battery and EV tech breakthroughs to show those in attendance what the future of electric vehicle technology could be.
Battery tech goes fire forward
EV batteries are extremely flammable, and when in a crash, if the battery compartment has been damaged, it could catch fire. The liquid electrolytes have their own oxygen, which is necessary for fires to burn making battery fires extremely hard to put out. Thankfully, some companies are working to increase the current five minutes needed to allow passengers to get out of a vehicle when a fire begins.
Some of the advancements in slowing a battery fire are:
- Nexeo STAMAX – 5 minutes at 1,200 degrees C
- Nagase Thermal Barrier – 30 minutes at 1,500 degrees C
- NanoTIM Thermal Interface Material – 20 minutes at 2,000 degrees C
Better coolant made for EVs
Although electric vehicles don’t require the same fluids as ICE models, they require coolants to keep things running at the appropriate temperatures. Prestone introduced a new line of three coolants at the show. These coolants are made for EVs and can help prevent fires from starting. Using traditional coolants can create a flammable situation if the coolant touches the batteries in a crash; these Prestone coolants can prevent that from taking place.
What are the next battery chemistries?
Currently, most electric vehicle batteries are a lithium-ion mixture. This has been a proven formula, but the potential driving range and energy density in these batteries have been maxed out. This has led many automakers to partner with battery companies to work toward new chemistries for future batteries. Here are some possible future battery formulas:
Lithium Sulfur
These batteries could be incredibly energy-dense and should lower the cost of battery production over the next several years. These batteries can be made to have a higher capacity than any current or advanced anode technology without any risk of developing dendrites that can short-circuit a battery.
Sodium-Ion
A one time, sodium-ion batteries were promised to be an ultra-low-cost alternative to the current battery chemistry. The automotive industry has move away from this battery chemistry, but that doesn’t mean its not useful. Sodium-ion batteries can be used in power supplies, lawn and garden equipment, and in some off-highway industrial applications. Currently CATL and BYD are still working on vehicle applications for this battery chemistry.
Solid-State
The future of battery technology is supposed to be the use of solid-state batteries, but currently, none of these types are slated for mainstream North American EVs. That said there was a demonstration of these batteries at the show that shows two stacks of 14 all-sold-state batteries to power a machine. If the advancements are to be believed, these are the batteries that will power most electric vehicles in the future.
Axial-Flux Motors could be cheaper
Axial-flux motors have been used in electric vehicles, but largely only in supercars. Torev has found a way to make them more affordable and sustainable. This involves bringing the power density down out of the supercar realm to be more useful and practical for more traditional EVs. These motors could be the future of electric vehicle propulsion. Some prototypes that were build win partnership with MPP, are much more powerful with each motor producing 200 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque.
An E-Axle Disconnect will be huge
A recently patented device for electric vehicles could made things smoother for drivers. Amsted Automotive developed a new simple motor disconnect that allows a permanent- magnet machine to freewheel. This is applicable when the vehicle doesn’t need to be under power or capture braking energy through the regenerative braking process. This system uses technology from a switchable one-way clutch, working like a coaster brake on a bike. This is a much smoother system than a friction-based clutch, providing a more natural drive.
These are just a few of the cool advancements in electric vehicle technology that were recently on display at the Battery Show Detroit. Hopefully, some of these new items will eventually make it into future EVs.
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