Electric vehicles (EVs) are due for huge upgrades in driving range and charging times as new battery technologies are introduced. Lithium (Li) -ion (锂离子) batteries could be out of date in a few years as alternatives like Li-sulfur, Li-air and Li-metal enter production. Meanwhile, quantum (量子) battery charging promises to reduce charge times from hours to seconds.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have produced a stable Li-sulfur battery using Kevlar, the material used in body armor, to increase the amount it can be charged and discharged. Fibers in the Kevlar stop certain parts of lithium from growing between the electrodes (电极) and destroying the battery. Research group leader Nicholas Kotov called the design “nearly perfect” in terms of capacity and efficiency. The battery can handle summer heat and winter cold extremes, and in real-world driving conditions, its lifespan should be 1, 000 cycles or ten years.
Sulfur is a great alternative for EVs because it is a tiny amount of the cost of metals like what is used in Li-ion battery electrodes, and there is simply more of it. Mainstream electric cars fitted with its battery could achieve around 900 miles on a single charge. Battery researchers say the Li-sulfur battery’s energy density could theoretically be 10 times higher than the best Li-ion battery, so it will drive further, be safer and more environmentally friendly, for less money.
In Japan, university researchers have teamed up with a telecommunications company to develop a Li-air battery with an energy density (500 Wh/kg) two to five times better than Li-ion.
Newer quantum technologies that will speed up vehicle charging times are added to these breakthroughs in battery materials and energy density. Li-metal, often talked about as solid-state batteries, are long-lasting and capable of rapid charging, especially when they are paired with quantum technologies that connect all the battery cells simultaneously. And once investments in quantum charging and batteries are made, it could revolutionize transport and the way we use energy worldwide.
【小题1】What can we learn about Kevlar?| A．It will speed up vehicle charging. | B．It can lengthen battery’s cycle life. |
| C．It can boost EV range to 1000 miles. | D．It will break down in extreme weather. |
| A．It has been tested in Li-ion battery. |
| B．It is less expensive and more accessible. |
| C．Li-sulfur battery has been installed in mainstream EVs. |
| D．Li-sulfur battery features a higher energy density than Li-metal. |
| A．Quantum technologies give rise to Li-metal. |
| B．Battery materials determine vehicle charging speed. |
| C．Li-metal is more efficient in charging than Li-sulfur. |
| D．More investments are needed in quantum technology. |
| A．Which Battery Suits Evs Best? |
| B．What Is The Future Road Of EVs? |
| C．Why Will Li-ion Batteries Be Replaced? |
| D．How Will Reformed Lithium Batteries Influence Evs? |
