Norwegian Researchers Aim to Boost EV Battery Resilience

A team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is investigating methods to enhance the resilience of electric vehicle (EV) battery cells, aiming to reduce the costly burden of replacements.

This initiative is part of an EU-funded project that includes battery manufacturers and researchers, focusing on finding solutions that allow batteries to function effectively despite minor damage.

Central to the research is silicon-anode technology, which holds the promise of greater energy density and extended range for electric vehicles. However, this advancement comes with challenges.

Ford are also exploring innovative approaches to this challenge

Silicon anodes are known to swell during charging and discharging cycles, leading to potential degradation over time. To counter this issue, NTNU researchers are exploring the addition of more graphite to create a more stable mixture, as well as a proprietary electrolyte designed to protect both the anode and cathode.

Further testing has involved the incorporation of binders and separators within the battery cells. The binders help maintain the structural integrity of the electrodes, even when they are damaged, while the separators play a crucial role in preventing short circuits by keeping the cathode and anode physically apart.

As cell-to-pack technology gains traction in the EV market, these enhancements could prove vital. Such technology enables battery packs to function even when only a few individual cells are faulty, potentially avoiding the expensive and wasteful practice of replacing entire battery packs.

Companies like Ford are also exploring innovative approaches to this challenge, proposing strategies to replace battery modules while keeping the overall pack intact.

However, uncertainties linger regarding the effectiveness of current strategies, such as the use of electrode binders, in future solid-state battery technology, with the industry’s shift towards that direction underway. Researchers can only speculate about the implications of these findings in that evolving landscape.