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Lately, electric vehicles are emerging as an efficient mode of transportation since they are less expensive, user- and eco-friendly. These electric vehicles are powered through lithium-ion batteries; however, there is a long way before electric vehicles will be dominant in the global market. Its widespread deployment has made electric vehicles to achieve high-performance ability at a lower cost.
To power-up electric vehicles, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are being developed every year with an average increase power density of eight percent per year. On the other hand, aluminum-air batteries are in a race with their capability almost matching with gasoline, and the batteries being lighter in weight available at a lesser cost when compared to lithium-ion. The main problems that arise in battery technology are due to corrosion.
The analysis carried out by researchers on batteries has showcased that over five percent of the charge will be lost in lithium-ion batteries if it is left unused for a month. But the same is found to be heavier in size, costly, and bulky. Similarly, 80 percent of the charge is lost in primary aluminum-air batteries due to aluminum corrosion, which is less expensive, more compact and lighter in weight. To overcome these limitations, the MIT design team has introduced an oil barrier between the aluminum electrode and electrolyte to overcome the limitation of corrosion.
To test aluminum-air batteries in semi-real time scenario, the researchers used a small portion of the battery power in an electric car which was allowed to stay idle for two days. This process was repeated for some more days. The insight captured through the analysis showcased that aluminum batteries lasted for 24 days, which is of eight times longer than the traditional battery systems.
The rumors of aluminum-air batteries completely replacing lithium-ions in the upcoming years is expected to remain a rumor and cannot be true. However, there are other complications such as recharging issues, which are found to be complicated through the mechanical process.
With battery technology being one of the most significant requirements in recent days, there arise several bottlenecks with advancement in technologies. Businesses are looking for smartphone batteries in which the overall withstand time of one-time charging should at least happen for a month and the same for electric cars. Also, the batteries powered in electric planes should be compact with high storage capacity and low energy dissipation. With future technologies on hand, there are chances of developing an efficient battery system with high power storage capacity and smaller in size.
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