Technology promises a range of 2,000 km in electric cars, but there is a catch

Cited by Wu Kai, the company’s chief scientist, during the Equipment Powerhouse forum, the chemical architecture draws attention for achieving energy densities up to five times higher than those of solid states.

Despite the enthusiasm of consumers concerned about the autonomy of electric vehicles, the leading global manufacturer has not established any commercial schedule for the technology — especially because CATL is currently working with a focus on sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, which have a much more realistic chance of reaching the market.

Before understanding the difference between these batteries, it is worth briefly remembering how good old lithium-ion batteries work, which house lithium in both electrodes. In lithium-air batteries, conventional cathodes are replaced by oxygen absorption at one end, while metallic lithium is at the opposite pole.

In this case, there would be no cathode (which is heavy), so the battery can store much more energy in relation to its weight. Thus, the configuration guarantees a theoretical density of up to 3,505 Wh/kg. However, when we also consider the encapsulation, structural support and air pumping systems, the real efficiency suffers a strong reduction.

Furthermore, air ends up being another opponent of this type of battery. It may seem ironic, but water vapor and carbon dioxide react chemically and damage lithium, requiring complex filters that add weight to the vehicle. There is also the recharging process, which generates oxygen compounds capable of accelerating the wear of components.

While the lithium-air battery does not become a reality, know that BYD is moving forward with solid state batteries and already has a date to start production!

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