Solid-state batteries: technology for the mobility of tomorrow
E-mobility is evolving rapidly and one of the most exciting technologies that is receiving a lot of attention at the moment, is the development of solid-state batteries. These innovative energy storage systems promise numerous advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries and could revolutionize electromobility.
In this article, we look at developments in solid-state batteries and their potential impact on EV charging infrastructure - an area of particular interest to companies such as gas stations, retail & trading companies and transportation & logistics firms.
What are solid-state batteries?
A solid-state battery (SSB) uses solid electrolytes instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIB). This difference offers several advantages at the same time:
- Higher energy density: Much more energy per unit volume can be stored in solid-state batteries, enabling e-vehicles with significantly longer ranges.
- Longer service life: Solid-state batteries generally have a higher cycle stability, which means that they largely retain their performance over long periods of time and over many charges.
- Greater safety: The solid electrolytes used in solid-state batteries are less flammable and reduce the risk of fires and explosions caused by damaged vehicle batteries.
Further information on the technical principles and areas of application of solid-state batteries can be found in this article from the Fraunhofer Institute.
Relevance of solid-state batteries for charging infrastructure
For companies investing in charging infrastructure for their e-car & e-truck fleets (e.g. transport & logistics companies) or wanting to offer charging solutions to increase the attractiveness of locations and offer added value for end customers (e.g. retailers and gas station operators), the question arises as to how these new battery developments will affect charging infrastructure.
While solid-state batteries are currently still more expensive to produce than traditional energy storage technologies, there is a possibility that costs will fall dramatically as mass production begins. Cheaper batteries could make e-vehicles more affordable, boost sales and thus increase the further expansion and development of charging infrastructure. Operating your own e-fleet, including charging infrastructure, will become cheaper and end customers' demand for e-mobility services will grow.
There are also sustainability aspects because, depending on the materials used, solid-state batteries can often contain less environmentally harmful materials and be easier to recycle. At the same time, they have a longer service life, which makes them a more sustainable alternative for use in electric vehicles.
These and other factors, such as greater safety, will lead to greater acceptance of electromobility, an increase in the number of rechargeable vehicles on our roads and, as a result, a growing demand for charging infrastructure - both for companies' own electric vehicle fleets and for those of their customers.
Solid-state batteries for the sustainable mobility of tomorrow
The development of solid-state batteries is a significant step towards more sustainable & efficient electromobility. For companies investing in charging infrastructure, it is important to keep an eye on these developments as they influence the requirements & expectations for charging infrastructure as well as the long-term demand for it.
Innovations in energy storage technologies give us an insight into the mobility of tomorrow and help us to make strategic decisions about e-mobility investments based on sound information and current developments to drive the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Further information