"Potential Transformation of Electric Vehicles with Silicon Anode Batteries"
Mercedes-Benz announced that their upcoming 2024 model of the EQG will showcase the use of silicon anode technology.
One major challenge in making vehicles more electric is the low power capacity of batteries. Most of today’s electric cars utilize lithium-ion batteries, which tend to add a significant amount of weight to the vehicle’s total mass. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning weighs a whopping 6,500 pounds, with its battery alone weighing around 1,800 pounds. This makes the batteries extremely heavy, increases production costs and decreases driving range. Nonetheless, with the development of silicon anode batteries, we could see a huge shift in the world of electric transportation.
The latest technology update in the racing world is Formula E's new front powertrain, which is designed to extend the battery life of their race cars. This innovative feature is a game-changer for the sport as it offers a competitive edge to drivers who are looking to conserve energy during their races. With the new front powertrain, the race cars are now able to recover more energy during the braking stage, which makes the battery life last longer. This allows drivers to have more power during the critical moments of the race and ultimately gives them a better chance of winning. Overall, this new technology is a significant step forward for the racing industry and helps to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient sport.
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The use of silicon anode batteries is gaining popularity as it replaces the graphite anode in lithium-ion batteries. Amprius Technologies announced that their silicon anode batteries are expected to have a huge energy density of 450 watt-hours per kilogram, which is significantly higher than the conventional lithium-ion batteries with a maximum energy density of 270 Wh/ kg. CNBC highlighted the challenges surrounding this revolutionary concept, while also exploring the possibilities it could unlock in the near future.
The main challenge facing silicon anode batteries is their tendency to crack. After just a few cycles of charging and discharging, the battery can swell and cause the cells to break. However, several companies are focused on finding a solution to this issue. Porsche and Mercedes have both put money into projects involving silicon anodes. In fact, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQG will be the first electric vehicle made by the car company that uses this technology.
The attractiveness of silicon anode batteries cannot go unnoticed. According to Yi Cui, a professor of energy science at Stanford University, this technology has the potential to enhance the existing EVs range. The batteries by Ampirus can charge up to 80% within six minutes which is a remarkable feat. As a result, battery packs can be made smaller and utilized in a broader range of vehicles such as cargo trucks and airplanes. The abundant presence of silicon in the world makes this technology even more appealing.
