Future electric cars could go more than 600 miles on a single charge thanks to battery-boosting gel
Future electric cars could go more than 600 miles on a single charge thanks to battery-boosting gel Livescience.com
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The following article discusses a breakthrough in battery technology that could significantly impact the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 goals established by the United Nations to address global challenges such as climate change, clean energy, and sustainable cities.
Introduction
Electric vehicle (EV) range anxiety could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a breakthrough in battery technology, which could give EVs a range of more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers).
Current EV Range
Today’s EVs have a maximum range of 300 miles (480 km) on average. Even the longest-range electric car, the Lucid Air, runs out of charge after about 500 miles (800 km).
Research Findings
In a new study published in the journal Advanced Science, researchers used tiny silicon particles and a gel-based electrolyte to tap into the high-charge capacity of silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries.
Silicon Anodes in Lithium-ion Batteries
Silicon has been widely explored as a candidate for the anode in lithium-ion batteries because it can hold up to 10 times as many lithium ions versus equivalent graphite anodes. However, silicon expands by up to three times its size when receiving a charge, which can damage the battery. Nanometer-scale silicon can mitigate this problem, but it requires a complex and expensive production process.
New Battery System
In the new study, the scientists opted for micrometer-scale silicon particles linked to an elastic gel electrolyte that disperses the internal stress caused by an expanding silicon anode. This prevents battery degradation without compromising conductivity.
Benefits of the New Battery System
The use of micrometer-scale silicon particles with the electrolyte gel resulted in a 40% improvement to a battery’s energy density. This means that the battery can hold more positively charged ions, essentially having a greater energy capacity, while preserving efficient energy transfer. In real-world use, this could lead to longer battery life for consumer devices and EV batteries with a range exceeding 620 miles on a single charge. Additionally, the researchers noted that a micrometer-scale silicon particle system could be more cost-effective and fit into today’s production methods almost immediately.
Conclusion
This breakthrough in battery technology has the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry and contribute to the achievement of several SDGs, including Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 13: Climate Action. By improving the range and energy capacity of EVs, this technology can accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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
The article discusses a breakthrough in battery technology that could significantly increase the range of electric vehicles (EVs). This is relevant to SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By improving the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, EVs can have a longer range, making them a more viable and sustainable transportation option.
Additionally, the development of this battery technology aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The breakthrough in battery technology represents an innovation in the field of energy storage and can contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Furthermore, the increased range of EVs can have a positive impact on SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. By reducing the need for frequent charging or range anxiety, EVs can provide a more convenient and reliable mode of transportation within urban areas.
Lastly, the adoption of electric vehicles as a result of improved battery technology can contribute to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Electric vehicles produce lower emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, thus helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
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, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are as follows:
– SDG 7.2: The breakthrough in battery technology can contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by enabling the widespread adoption of electric vehicles powered by renewable energy sources.
– SDG 9.4: The development of this battery technology represents an upgrade in infrastructure and an adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies in the field of energy storage.
– SDG 11.2: The longer range of electric vehicles can improve the accessibility and sustainability of transport systems, providing safe and affordable transportation options for all.
– SDG 13.2: The adoption of electric vehicles can be seen as an integrated climate change measure, as they produce lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Increase in the range of electric vehicles: The article mentions that the breakthrough in battery technology could give EVs a range of more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers), compared to the current average range of 300 miles (480 km). This increase in range can be used as an indicator of progress towards the targets related to sustainable transportation and energy efficiency.
– Improvement in energy density: The article states that the new battery system resulted in a 40% improvement in energy density. Energy density is a measure of how much energy a battery can store per unit volume or weight. This improvement can be used as an indicator of progress towards the targets related to renewable energy and resource-use efficiency.
4. 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. | – Increase in the range of electric vehicles. – Improvement in energy density of batteries. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | – Improvement in energy density of batteries. – Adoption of clean and environmentally sound battery technologies. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons. | – Increase in the range of electric vehicles. – Adoption of sustainable transportation options. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Adoption of electric vehicles as a climate change mitigation measure. |
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: livescience.com
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