Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are becoming a preferred power source for off-highway and ground support equipment as industries push toward cleaner, more efficient operations. The first part of this series examined the broader shift away from internal combustion, along with the growing need for durable charging infrastructure in outdoor environments. In this part, we focus on…
How Li-ion batteries are powering the shift in off-highway equipment
As the material handling and ground support equipment sectors embrace lithium-ion batteries and outdoor charging infrastructure, they need battery connectors designed with innovative sealing and thermal management solutions in mind. This is the first part of a two-part article exploring the shift to Li-ion technology and its implications for connector design. The next part will…
UCSB researchers could replace traditional lithium-ion batteries
In a new study, researchers at UC Santa Barbara test safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, used in devices such as phones and electric vehicles (EVs), use liquid electrolytes that can overheat and catch fire. Solid-state batteries use non-flammable solids instead, making them safer, more compact, and longer-lasting. According to…
Preparing for sodium-ion battery storage? Advanced simulation models can help
The vast majority, upwards of 80% in recent years, of energy storage installations have used lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-based deployments have continued apace despite supply chain concerns, largely because of lithium batteries’ falling prices and exceptional efficiency. Lithium’s dominance, however, has led to concerns about its continued ability to meet the expected demand for energy storage…
High-voltage contactors support lithium-ion battery switching up to 1000 V DC
TDK Corporation has introduced two new high-voltage contactors designed for use in demanding applications. The HVC43MC integrates a mirror contact for position detection, while the HVC45 offers increased short-circuit current handling capability. These components support systems operating at up to 1000 V (DC), making them suitable for lithium-ion battery switching in traction applications, energy storage…
What are the main challenges in developing solid-state batteries for EVs?
Samsung recently announced the development of a groundbreaking solid-state electric vehicle (EV) battery (Figure 1), promising a 600-mile range, 9-minute rapid charging, and a 20-year lifespan. In contrast, EVs with conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries typically offer a 250 to 350-mile range, 25 to 30-minute rapid charging, and an 8 to 15-year lifespan. Although many major…
What are solid-state batteries, and how do they differ from current EV batteries?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery traction packs power most electric vehicles (EVs) on the road today. These batteries enable electric motors to efficiently generate the high torque required for rapid acceleration and consistent speeds. Although Li-ion batteries offer high energy density and a relatively long lifespan, many automotive companies are actively researching and developing solid-state battery technology.…
Electrode material improves flowless zinc-bromine batteries
The flawless zinc-bromine battery (FLZBB) is a promising alternative to flammable lithium-ion batteries because it uses non-flammable electrolytes. However, it suffers from self-discharge due to the crossover of active materials, generated at the positive graphite felt (GF) electrode, to the negative electrode, significantly affecting performance. Now, researchers have developed a novel nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon-coated GF…
Solid-state batteries could change how we use power devices
With so many batteries, from cell phones to EVs, that are dependent on lithium, an alternative is always welcome. Solid-state chemistries could significantly reduce the risk of overheating and fire. We’ve become dependent on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to power cell phones, EVs, and everything in between. Today’s Li-ion batteries can produce low and high voltages.…
Battery and charging innovations driving electrification
by Luca Vezzadini, ZIVAN The urgency of mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has prompted businesses to adopt more sustainable transportation solutions, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are at the forefront of electrification. McKinsey predicted that the entire LIB chain, from mining through recycling, could grow by over 30% annually from 2022…