Is a solid-state battery safe?

The team was surprised to find that a solid-state battery, without a liquid electrolyte, could reach temperatures near that of a lithium-ion battery. One of the promises of solid-state batteries is that they are safe, because the solid electrolyte is firm and unlikely to break.

Are new battery technologies a good idea?

The biggest concerns — and major motivation for researchers and startups to focus on new battery technologies — are related to safety, specifically fire risk, and the sustainability of the materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, namely cobalt, nickel and magnesium.

Are solid-state batteries a better option for electric vehicles?

According to Alex Bates, a Sandia postdoctoral researcher who led the study, solid-state batteries have the potential to be safer and offer higher energy density. This could mean that electric vehicles using solid-state batteries could go farther in between charges or require fewer batteries for grid-scale energy storage.

Are EV batteries better than lithium ion batteries?

Compared to lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries are more efficient, packing more power with the same size battery. As a result, EV batteries could become more compact, charge faster and weigh less, which could increase range.

Are solid-state batteries a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries?

Solid-state batteries, which are currently used in small electronic devices like smart watches, have the potential to be safer and more powerful than lithium-ion batteries for things such as electric cars and storing energy from solar panels for later use. However, several technical challenges remain before solid-state batteries can become widespread.

What are alternative batteries?

In addition, alternative batteries are being developed that reduce reliance on rare earth metals. These include solid-state batteries that replace the Li-Ion battery’s liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte, resulting in a more efficient and safer battery.