Could Solid-State Batteries Supercharge Electric Vehicles?
Could Solid-State Batteries Supercharge Electric Vehicles? Forbes
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Toyota’s Battery Technology Roadmap: A Step Towards Sustainable Development Goals
Latest announcement from automaker is surrounded by hype. But how excited should we get?
Introduction
In September, car manufacturer Toyota published a battery technology roadmap, outlining their research focus and their goals for producing a diverse, all-electric fleet in the next decade. This article explores the implications of Toyota’s shift towards battery electric vehicles (EVs) and the potential of solid-state batteries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Toyota’s Transition to Battery Electric Vehicles
Toyota, until fairly recently, had been publicly resisting the transition to battery electric vehicles (EVs), focusing instead on hybrids and vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. However, their recent announcement marks a notable pivot for the company.
The Potential of Solid-State Batteries
Mainstream batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, rely on a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, replace this liquid with a solid electrolyte. While the idea of solid-state batteries is not new, their use in larger-scale applications has been limited due to manufacturing challenges and high costs.
However, solid-state batteries offer several benefits. They can withstand extreme temperatures, charge more quickly, and have higher energy densities compared to lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, they are structurally stable and do not contain volatile liquids, allowing for smaller and thinner battery designs.
Toyota’s Breakthrough in Solid-State Battery Technology
Toyota’s battery technology roadmap mentions an unspecified “breakthrough in solid-state battery technology” that has led the company to shift its development focus to mass production. The specific details of this breakthrough remain limited, but Toyota has signed a cooperation agreement with Idemitsu Kosan, Japan’s second-largest oil refiner, to commercialize and mass-produce solid-state batteries using sulfide electrolytes.
Implications and Potential Applications
If the manufacturing challenges and costs associated with solid-state batteries are overcome, they could have significant implications for various sectors. Electric vehicles, including e-bikes, trucks, buses, and ships, could benefit from the use of solid-state batteries. Additionally, solid-state batteries are being proposed for home energy storage systems.
Other automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Honda, are also researching solid-state batteries. However, Toyota has registered a significant number of solid-state battery patents, indicating their commitment to this technology.
Conclusion
The shift towards solid-state batteries represents a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of reducing reliance on critical minerals, transforming transport, and reducing emissions. However, the implications of this technology remain uncertain, and it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the continued growth of vehicle size and the delay in taking society-level action on climate change.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Energy density, cost competitiveness, and charging speeds of liquid electrolyte batteries (related to SDG 7.2)
- Development of solid-state battery technology and its commercialization (related to SDG 9.4)
- Reduction in the size and weight of batteries, and improved energy densities (related to SDG 11.6)
- Integration of solid-state batteries in electric vehicles and other applications (related to SDG 13.2)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Energy density, cost competitiveness, and charging speeds of liquid electrolyte batteries |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Development of solid-state battery technology and its commercialization |
| 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Integration of solid-state batteries in electric vehicles and other applications | |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | – Reduction in the size and weight of batteries, and improved energy densities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Integration of solid-state batteries in electric vehicles and other applications |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: forbes.com
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