Next Steps for Electric Cars

October 24, 2024

For all the promise of electric vehicles, the path to widespread adoption remains filled with roadblocks — from charging deserts to the environmental impact of lithium batteries. As technology races to catch up, researchers are turning to alternative battery chemistries and innovative materials to ensure EVs live up to their green reputation.

“The development of electric vehicles is advancing, but some aspects still need to be considered, such as the cost involved, waste generated and road infrastructure,” said IEEE Senior Member Cristiane Agra Pimentel. “Despite bringing benefits such as reduced use of carbon-based fuels and less noise, this transition will be faster in developed countries.”

Fortunately, researchers are working on solutions that could take the industry to the next level in the coming years.

Expanding Charging Networks

One factor holding electric vehicles back in many regions is a lack of charging infrastructure. It’s not just that there aren’t enough charging stations. Some countries span huge territories. The construction of charging stations in rural areas may require upgrades to local electrical infrastructure.

“Electric vehicles are a viable option in densely populated countries where travel distances are shorter, like Europe, Japan and South Korea,” said IEEE Senior Member Euclides Chuma. “Countries with large territorial dimensions, such as the USA, Brazil and China, will take longer to install the charging infrastructure, as it will often be necessary to upgrade the electricity transmission lines as well.”

How long will a full buildout take? Estimates range from five to 15 years.

Making Batteries Better

Another research focus involves squeezing more energy out of existing batteries.

Lithium batteries have improved significantly over the past 15 years. In 2008, the amount of energy in a lithium battery stood at 55 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L). By 2020, that figure had hit 450 Wh/L, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Today’s lithium-ion batteries pack even more energy into the same amount of space: 750 Wh/L. That improvement is significant. A lithium-ion battery today can hold 13 times more energy than a battery of the same size from 2008.

Making Better Batteries

Using lithium in batteries has significant drawbacks though, including the environmental challenges related to lithium mining. It’s also pretty expensive, accounting for about 40% of the cost of an electric vehicle.

That’s pushed automakers to look for batteries made from other materials — what the industry calls “alternative battery chemistries.” The goal is to find an abundant material that is both less expensive than lithium, easier to extract from the earth and promises good energy density.

One candidate is sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is abundant and is found in sodium chloride or table salt. It’s also relatively inexpensive. But it might take a while before sodium-ion batteries become commonplace. The lithium battery industry has well-developed supply chains that make it easy for companies to use them.

Battery Recycling

Despite the high demand for lithium, very few lithium batteries are recycled, partly because the cost of recycling often exceeds the value of the raw materials.

Finding cost-effective ways to recycle lithium batteries is crucial because many lithium batteries used in EVs and smartphones end up in landfills. On the other hand, cost-effective recycling could reduce the overall cost of batteries, reduce the environmental damage associated with lithium mining and encourage more electrification.

Learn More: The IEEE Learning Network has established several courses on EV technology, including this one that focuses on battery technology, fuel cells, and electric drive trains.