An EV battery that could last 1 million miles
S. Himmelstein | September 27, 2019A new lithium battery technology promises to extend the lifetime of batteries and keep electric 
A pouch cell next to a Canadian $2 coin. Source: J.R. Dahn et al.vehicles (EVs) on the road longer. Researchers at Canada’s Dalhousie University developed a moderate-energy-density, lithium-ion, pouch cell chemistry expected to power an EV for more than one million miles and last at least two decades in grid energy storage.
The results of long-term benchmark tests conducted on single crystal lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide/artificial graphite cells with lithium salt-based electrolyte are reported in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Storage and cycle tests were conducted for up to three years at 20° C, 40° C and 55° C.
Cell chemistry proved extremely tolerant to extended periods at elevated temperatures, and only cells stored at 55° C and 4.3 V for 1.3 years showed signs of capacity loss and impedance growth. Aged units had virtually no charge endpoint capacity slippage, indicating that no species were oxidized.
Differential voltage analysis demonstrated that lithium inventory loss associated with thickening of the negative electrode solid-electrolyte interphase is the major degradation mechanism for these cells. After 5,300 cycles, no evidence of microcracking was observed in particles that were initially less than 3 micrometers in size. The results confirm the advantages of single crystal materials, which also account for the stability of the positive electrode active mass in cells during cycling.
The battery chemistry was developed under a licensing agreement with Tesla Motors.
Sounds wonderful, no mention of finished size or weight.
What temperatures would this battery likely be subject to in use in Phoenix during the summer? Temperatures near the road will far exceed 55 degrees Celsius and I assume the battery creates some of its own heat in use. In Phoenix, heat always seems to be a battery's enemy.
Now that battery technology is progressing to the point of being useful, we need to concentrate our energy on infrastucture and battery charging logistics, particularly for the EV marketplace. If EV manufacturers got together and agreed on a modular design for battery packs (e.g. as we did last century for shipping containers, video formats etc) , the modules could be stored in Service stations. EVs could then éxchange' their empty packs for full ones on a pull-out / push in basis - a process which could take as little as a minute. Charging would be centralised at the service station eliminating the need for extensive upgrade of suburban power grids. Charging would also be in daylight thereby optimising solar 'sustainable energy' recharge capability. Capital costs of battery modules could be a new industry. A fee to cover charging costs and module replacement would be levied at the time of module replacement at the service station - essentially a refueling cost.
In reply to #3
Industry has been using roll-in-out method for their batteries for years.These are extremely heavy lead acid type,some weighing as much as 1000 lbs or more.
Standardizing an automotive type battery should be relatively easy by comparison,with automated handling of the process.
Of course,this will require a rather large investment in infrastructure to achieve.
I can also envision a interstate system with embedded resonant transformers to wirelessly charge vehicles on the go,with the automatic debit to your account for quantity used.
Regenerative braking could be sent back to the grid for credit or to your battery if needed.
For instance,in mountainous or hilly areas,regenerative braking could be used to smooth out the load of uphill- downhill travelers.
Urban areas could charge vehicles likewise,wirelessly,
Perhaps start with buses that make frequent stops.
It would be nice to have a city bus pass by without the pedestrians becoming "exhausted".