As the world transitions to renewable energy, 2024 has been pivotal in advancing sustainable battery technology. Several promising innovations and trends are helping reshape the industry, making it possible to eliminate widespread dependence on fossil fuels to power everyday life.
1. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has underscored the need for improved lithium batteries. As such, engineers explored the possibilities of lithium-sulfur batteries in 2024. Lithium-sulfur batteries have a lot going for them compared to standard lithium-ion batteries. For example, they’re more cost-effective to manufacture and have a much higher storage capacity. Sulfur is also more environmentally friendly than the cobalt, nickel and other raw materials used to make lithium-ion batteries.
Supermaterials company Lyten is spearheading the research and development of lithium-sulfur batteries in the United States. In October 2024, the company announced it would invest $1 billion in a factory in Reno, Nevada — the first lithium-sulfur battery facility of its kind worldwide.
Once the facility is operating at full scale, Lyten says it will be able to produce up to 10 gigawatt-hours of batteries each year, including lithium-sulfur battery cells in pouch and cylindrical configurations.
2. Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries — which use solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes — received a lot of buzz in 2024. They pose less of a fire risk than conventional lithium-ion batteries, making them a safer alternative. They also charge faster and have a higher density. According to Autoweek, solid-state batteries have two to 10 times more capacity than lithium-ions.
In November 2024, Huawei filed a patent application for sulfide-based solid electrolyte technology, which enhances ionic conductivity and prolongs battery life. The patent is just the beginning of its development and adoption.
As the automotive industry pushes solid-state battery solutions to achieve gigawatt-hour potential by 2027, experts predict cell prices will drop dramatically. Toyota, Nissan and Samsung have already piloted this technology in their EVs, and more manufacturers are expected to follow.
3. A More Circular Economy
The rise in EV sales and growing demand for lithium-ion batteries have underscored the dire need for a circular economy. Great strides have been made in improving battery recyclability and reuse in 2024.
Experts have explored lithium-ion battery design to improve longevity and recyclability near the end of the life cycle. These efforts include developing extended producer responsibility strategies to incentivize sustainable manufacturing and disposal. Another angle is developing second-life applications for EV batteries — such as using them as energy storage systems — to give them renewed purpose and limit demand for more raw material extraction and environmental impact.
A circular economy isn’t solely for lithium-ion batteries — lead-acid batteries are also making recyclability headway. Lead-acid batteries have been manufactured for over 50 years, are inexpensive and have a long-lasting charge. You’ll often see them in vehicle engines and backup generators. Considering that the average U.S. electricity customer sees over eight hours of power outages, these batteries are essential for keeping the lights on in homes and businesses.
Researchers are advancing lead-acid battery refurbishment techniques to remove and replace the acid electrolyte with a solution and refill the battery with new acid. Recycling lead-acid batteries improves their life span and reduces exposure to harmful materials.
4. Silicon Anode Batteries
Silicon anode batteries replace the graphite in traditional lithium-ion batteries with silicon, creating a much greater energy capacity and longer battery life. Like solid-state batteries, silicon anode models are a potential game changer in EVs as demand increases rapidly. Mercedes, Porsche and GM expect it to take off in the near future.
Experts must still address specific issues with the technology, including shelf life — formerly about a year, though some tests now project a calendar life of three to four years — and high manufacturing costs. Additionally, while silicon anodes have a capacity 10 times greater than graphite batteries, the material tends to erode faster.
5. Smart Battery Management Systems
Cutting-edge battery innovations are integrating artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Battery management systems (BMS), in particular, are becoming increasingly critical to the shift toward more sustainable, efficient energy in EVs, battery storage and portable devices.
This technology optimizes battery operations, monitoring battery pack performance and ensuring safety by preventing overheating, short circuits, and overcharging or discharging. BMS can also track battery health and predict and communicate its maintenance needs.
The smart BMS market is predicted to grow at a 19.1% compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2032, reaching an estimated value of $41 billion.
Industry leaders continue evolving smart BMS. For example, LG Innotek recently introduced a wireless BMS that combines communication chips and antennas into a single unit, decreasing the battery’s weight for greater EV capacity. This weight reduction can increase EV ranges by up to 12 miles.
Future Energy Storage Is Cleaner and Greener
Although impressive innovations in green energy occurred in 2024, there’s still much to learn and discover. In the coming years, battery technology will continue accelerating the transition toward renewable sources and decreased reliance on fossil fuels. In turn, the industry and consumers can expect more efficient and affordable battery solutions to create a healthier planet.
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