New Battery Boasts 7 Times More Energy Density

This week a research team at the University of Tokyo School of Engineering has announced a new lithium ion battery that packs seven times more energy density – at 2,570 watt-hours per kilogram – than current lithium ion batteries.  The team, led by Professor Noritaka Mizuno, adds cobalt to the lithium oxide crystal structure of the positive electrode, which promotes the creation of oxides and peroxides during the charge/discharge cycle.  In addition, it promises significantly faster recharge times as well.

Of course, this breakthrough is still in the experimental stage.  Energy dense lithium ion batteries will not be on the shelf at WalMart any time soon.  But if the claims for the new battery prove valid, expect to see the struggle between EV’s and FCV tilt sharply in favor of electric vehicles.  Now the range for the new Porsche Cayenne PHEV could be 112 miles instead of 16, and that shiny new Nissan LEAF could go over 500 miles on a full charge instead of just 73.  And the Tesla Model S would be able to drive some 1,855 miles before needing to be plugged in.

New Battery Boasts 7 Times More Energy Density