Today, we see an increasing number of automakers investing in the full electrification of their fleets. They are not only manufacturing electric vehicles but are also investing in the development of battery technologies and battery services (see NIO below). Even NASA are developing their own 3D battery-printing system for space. These are exciting times for the automotive and energy storage industries.
McLaren to go exclusively electric
McLaren, the British automotive manufacturer of luxurious sports cars, announced that by 2030 the company will shift to manufacturing only electric cars. CEO Mik Flewitt said that in the meanwhile, they will focus on hybrid models. To date, McLaren has two hybrid models, the P1 and the Speedtail. From 2021 every model launch will be hybrid with cars that will be able to drive up to 30KM using battery power alone. Read more here
Photo credit: McLaren
NASA and KURL to build 3D battery-printing systems for use in-orbit
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has awarded KURL Technology Group a contract for building 3D-printed battery systems for manned and robotic space applications. "Through our partnership with KULR, we will now have the incredible ability to build space-optimized battery pack systems in-orbit… (it) will help lower the costs associated with battery pack transportation for the upcoming Artemis missions, where NASA will build sustainable elements on and around the moon in preparation for an eventual human mission to Mars", said Human Landing System Cross Program Analysis Coordinator Brandon Lewis. This technology will enable cheaper human space exploration, extended missions and utilise the available space for other equipment. Read more here
Photo credit: Room, Space Journal of Asgardia
NIO announced the launch of Battery as a Service (BaaS)
NIO, the Chinese automobile manufacturer which specializes in developing EVs has announced its new subscription model; Battery as a Service and the establishment of the Battery Asset Company. The BaaS model enables customers of NIO to pay a monthly subscription for their EV battery pack and have the flexibility to change battery capacity depending on their needs. This will enable users to benefit from lower initial purchase prices, to ensure high performance of batteries and to upgrade their batteries when required. William Bin Li, founder and chief executive officer of NIO said that “As of today, NIO has deployed 143 battery swap stations across 64 cities in China, and completed over 800,000 battery swaps for our users. The advantages of our chargeable, swappable and upgradable battery swap technologies will continue to enhance competitiveness of NIO products...'' . Read more here
Photo credit: NIO
Toyota to unveil first solid-state lithium-ion battery EV prototype
Toyota has announced that it will unveil its electric vehicle powered by solid-state lithium-ion batteries at the 2020 Olympics. Electric vehicles today use lithium-ion batteries which have a liquid electrolytic solution, whereas solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte. The technology is scheduled to reach mass production by 2025. BMW, which has various partnerships with Toyota, claims it won’t be selling EV with solid state lithium batteries until 2030. Read more here
Photo credit: Autocar
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