A commonplace chemical used in water treatment facilities has been repurposed for large-scale energy storage in a new battery design by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The design provides a pathway to a safe, economical, water-based, flow battery made with Earth-abundant materials. It provides another pathway in the quest to incorporate intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar energy into the nation’s electric grid ..read more

Many electric vehicles are powered by batteries that contain cobalt — a metal that carries high financial, environmental, and social costs. MIT researchers have now designed a battery material that could offer a more sustainable way to power electric cars. The new lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery includes a cathode based on organic materials, instead of cobalt or nickel (another metal often used in Li-ion batteries ..read more

When it comes to making batteries that last longer, a team of researchers including engineers at Brown University and Idaho National Laboratory believes the key might be in how things get clean — specifically how soap works in this process ..read more

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and government incentives. The total sales of EVs exceeded 10 million units in 2022 and are expected to reach 40 million units by 2030.1 These significant growth rates are expected in all vehicle segments, including passenger EVs, light commercial vehicles, school buses, and heavy-duty trucks. At the same time, several challenges are becoming apparent in the adoption of EVs for individuals and businesses ..read more

At a garage in Mexico City in 2023, a team of engineers and local mechanics converted an old diesel truck into an electric vehicle (EV). Within days, they swapped out the truck’s existing engine and other parts, replacing them with an innovative electric powertrain, new cooling system, battery, electronics, and chassis. They also updated the cab to look as good as new ..read more

The 1915 Detroit Electric Brougham was powered by lead-acid batteries, and so was the first generation of the General Motors EV1 back in 1996. The 1915 car could reportedly travel 80 miles (129 km) on a single charge, and the EV1 wasn’t much better, with a range of 70 to 100 miles (113 to 161 km ..read more

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Solar-Powered EV Charger Beam Global’s EV ARC is an advanced sustainable charging infrastructure solution for EVs, featuring a compact solar-paneled canopy that harnesses renewable energy for clean charging. The solar-powered EV charging station generates and stores its own clean energy and can be deployed virtually anywhere. The EV ARC works with any brand of EV charger, enabling emission-free charging without reliance on traditional power grids. The EV ARC serves as a versatile disaster relief solution, providing emergency electricity during natural disasters and blackouts. Its 120-minute de ..read more

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have invented and patented a new cathode material that replaces lithium ions with sodium and would be significantly cheaper. The cathode is one of the main parts of any battery. It is the site of the chemical reaction that creates the flow of electricity that propels a vehicle ..read more

Automakers and EV charging services know time is running out on reversing widespread cynicism regarding the state of EV public-charging infrastructure. Despite billions of dollars of already dedicated and planned investment, the spottiness of the nation’s charging ecosystem consistently is cited as the chief reason for flagging EV sales and consumer consideration ..read more