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Lithium-ion batteries are considered the solution to making electric cars possible. But, which kind? A recent article in ConsumerReports.org talks about what’s next in the lithium battery landscape.

Seth Fletcher, editor of Popular Science magazine and author, describes the key technologies of today and what lies ahead. Here are excerpts of his take on develops, as reported by Eric Evarts.

  • ZZ52E0B7D8.jpgThe first-generation lithium batteries are made from lithium-cobalt oxide. These are the batteries widely used in consumer electronics today. These batteries have good power, but they are less stable than other kinds. While lithium-cobalt oxide batteries are readily available, commercial versions are not set up for cars. They are mainly made by Sony.
  • The second-generation lithium batteries, developed for the Chevrolet Volt, are made of lithium-manganese oxide. But lithium-manganese stores less energy, which limits the range of electric cars.
  • The third-generation lithium-based batteries use lithium-iron phosphate chemistry. The advantage is that they’re inherently very stable, Fletcher says. But they have even less energy density than lithium-manganese. The primary manufacturer of lithium-iron phosphate batteries is an American company, A123 Systems, and this battery type is commonly used in power tools.
  • The next-generation lithium batteries, Fletcher says, builds on lithium manganese oxide, and mixes in elements of nickel and cobalt. A substance dubbed NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) is added to the basic lithium manganese oxide formula in varying concentrations to boost the energy capacity. Fletcher expects to see increasing amounts of NMC blended into lithium-manganese batteries to boost energy density and range for electric cars, and to lower prices.

While other companies working on batteries from magnesium, zinc, and other metals, Fletcher believes it could take 20 years for new battery technology to develop. So lithium battery technology is likely to remain relevant for a very long time.

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