Chemical warfare in drive for better EV range

Toyota and Nissan are locked into a race to develop battery technologies to give them an edge in the rapidly-growing EV market.

The push for better range capabilities from EVs and plug-in hybrids sees the two publicising their efforts to milk to longest possible range out of next-generation batteries. Both are manipulating chemicals in the batteries in order to pack energy into them more densely – essentially meaning more power for longer.

Toyota has said it is researching magnesium as a potential replacement for lithium – the current go-to metal. It says that not only does magnesium allow for denser storage, it is also far safer than lithium, which is considered unstable as it is a fire risk.

Toyota research hinges around replacing the lithium electrolyte (the liquid that divides negative and positive poles inside batteries, letting ions move through) currently used in lithium ion batteries with a magnesium one.

Its research institute in the United States says it has figured out the chemistry behind the change, but it could be as long as 20 years to bring it to market.

Nissan’s research has been centred around additives that can improve the capacity and lifespan of lithium ion batteries. It is adding a substance called amorphous silicon monoxide, which will allow more lithium ions to be added to batteries.

Its scientists – working with top public research institutes – had to invent a new method of analysing the substance in order to use it. Nissan says the substance is the way forward for longer-range EVs.

“The invention of this new analysis method is essential to further develop the next generation of high-capacity lithium ion batteries,” Nissan senior vice president Takao Asami said in a release. “It will certainly become one of our core technologies.”