Charging EV batteries can be as fast as filling the gas tank
Range anxiety, one of the key factors experts cite as holding back electric vehicle sales, may be solved quicker than has generally been thought possible. The reason is because researchers at the University of Illinois have found a way to charge batteries as quickly as it takes to fill the tank on a gasoline powered vehicle.
According to a report the UI researchers published recently in the journal Nature Nanotechnology they have developed a process to reduce the distance ions have to travel before reaching an electrode, which dramatically decreases the length of time to recharge the battery. Its all highly technical having to do with ion transport, porosity, diffusion and the theoretical limits of possible empty space in a structure. But the important findings are that such a battery can be produced quickly, cheaply and on a large scale.
According to the authors of the report, a full-scale lithium battery made with the process could be charged to 75 percent within one minute and hit 90 percent within two minutes.
They also note, however, that supplying sufficient current in the short time frames needed to charge the battery this fast is also going to be a challenge. Stay tuned.
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