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Rice researchers develop innovative battery recycling method

A research team at Rice University has pioneered a new method to extract purified active materials from battery waste, enabling efficient separation and recycling of valuable battery materials. The technique uses solvent-free flash Joule heating to create unique features with magnetic shells and stable core structures.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2024

Drivers ready to embrace wireless EV technology

A survey of 1150 EV drivers in New Zealand shows that 93% are optimistic about dynamic wireless charging technology and would like to try it in the future. The most compelling advantage is its usefulness, offering ease and convenience for EV users. However, concerns over data privacy, electromagnetic radiation, and costs hinder adoption.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateJun 24, 2024

AI-controlled stations can charge electric cars at a personal price

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology shows that AI-controlled charging stations can offer personalized prices to electric vehicle users, minimizing both price and waiting time. However, the researchers highlight the importance of addressing ethical issues related to data exploitation by motorists.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part C Emerging Technologies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2024

Escape the vapes: scientists call for global shift to curb consumer use of disposable technologies

Disposable vape sales quadrupled in the UK between 2022 and 2023, contributing to e-waste accumulation. The technology contains valuable resources like lithium, but recycling is often difficult due to lack of clear instructions. Experts call for urgent reform of disposable electronics practices to protect the environment.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 25, 2024

The biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market? Price

A Rutgers study reveals that price is the biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market, with lower-income buyers often priced out of the market. The study suggests that increasing charging station availability and expanding subsidies could promote greater used EV uptake across income groups.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateApr 19, 2024

A flexible and efficient DC power converter for sustainable-energy microgrids

A new DC-DC power converter designed by Kobe University team offers superior voltage ratio, system stability, and simplicity, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 98.3%. The device can efficiently interface with various energy sources, making it suitable for renewable energy integration and electric vehicle applications.

SourceKobe University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Retention ponds can deliver a substantial reduction in tire particle pollution, study suggests

A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

More than flying cars

eVTOL batteries require varying amounts of power for flight stages such as climbing, hovering and descent. Researchers developed new energy-dense materials and tested them against the current state-of-the-art version, showing improved performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Driving an electric car is cheaper in some parts of Canada than others

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that driving an electric car is cheaper in some regions of Canada, such as Quebec and BC, than others, like Nunavut. The researchers analyzed factors like tax rebates, charging costs, and electricity prices to determine the break-even point for electric cars.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Resting boosts performance of lithium metal batteries

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that resting lithium metal batteries in the discharged state can restore capacity and boost overall performance. By reprogramming the battery management software, lost capacity can be recovered without additional cost or changes needed for equipment, materials, or production flow.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2024

Japan's electric vehicle transition by 2035 may be insufficient to combat the climate crisis, but there are solutions

A team of researchers at Kyushu University found that Japan's current policy may not be enough to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve decarbonization goals. To address this, the government must extend vehicle longevity, invest in a cleaner energy mix, and decarbonize the supply chain.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2024

Architectures, opportunities, and challenges of Internet-of-batteries for electric Vehicles

The Internet-of-Batteries (IoB) system utilizes IoT principles to gather data from EV batteries, analyzing health and performance, identifying faults, and optimizing usage. Machine learning approaches enhance decision-making for improved battery performance, increased range, and reduced costs.

SourceGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Green wheels, bright skies: NREL analysis unveils the connection between electric vehicles and photovoltaics

Researchers at NREL found a correlation between electric vehicle ownership and the adoption of solar panels, with EV owners more likely to invest in photovoltaics. The study suggests that the two technologies have complementary nature, playing a pivotal role in energy systems resiliency.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 9, 2024

Study on battery recycling shows China is in 1st place

A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Energy transition: A super-model to guide policy makers

A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2023

Making electric vehicles last

A new polymer binder is introduced to address durability issues in dual-ion batteries. The binder features azide and acrylate groups, which enhance the structural integrity of graphite during charge and discharge cycles. Dual-ion batteries equipped with this binder demonstrate exceptional performance, even after 3,500 recharge cycles.

NTU Singapore scientists develop new method to recover high-purity silicon from expired solar panels for upcycling into lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels, which can help meet the increasing global demand for electric vehicles. The new extraction method using phosphoric acid achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% and purity of 99.2%, comparable to existing methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive batteries for faster charging electric vehicles

A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu has found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times and improve the battery's energy density. The research also reveals that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can minimize the risk of lithium plating.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2023

Move over lithium-ion: Zinc-air batteries a cheaper and safer alternative

A new study by Edith Cowan University has discovered zinc-air batteries as a superior alternative to lithium-ion, offering low costs, environmental benefits, and high theoretical energy density. The breakthrough redesigns the batteries using natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, enhancing their viability for sustainable e...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEcoMat·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2023

Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Novel proton-conductive membranes for automobile fuel cells

Scientists have synthesized proton-conductive membranes based on partially fluorinated aromatic ionomers, which exhibit high durability and ion conductivity. These membranes outperform existing ones in fuel-cell operation, chemical stability, and mechanical properties, paving the way for more powerful and affordable electric vehicles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023