A new field study reveals a previously unobserved fluid dynamic process that affects the ocean's deep-sea mining operations. Researchers equipped a pre-prototype collector vehicle with instruments to monitor its sediment plume disturbances, finding that the plumes remained relatively low and spread under their own weight.
A £1 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund will support a new initiative aimed at identifying and activating 'positive tipping points' to accelerate decarbonization and limit climate change. The project will focus on improving assessment, forecasting, and activation of positive tipping points across various sectors.
A new study from Indiana University warns that the US is unlikely to reach its national goal of 50% plug-in electric vehicle penetration by 2030 unless electric vehicles become more affordable. The study suggests that lower prices and better policy are needed to stimulate consumer demand for affordable electric vehicles.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed diamond quantum sensors to accurately measure EV battery charge. The sensors can detect small changes in current with 1% accuracy, extending driving range by up to 10%. This breakthrough reduces CO2 emissions and supports carbon neutrality.
Scientists create zinc battery with chitosan-based biodegradable electrolyte, reducing environmental burden. The new battery stores power from large-scale wind and solar sources, uses abundant zinc, and can be broken down by microbes, making it a viable option for sustainable energy storage.
Researchers discovered that irregularities between grains in the battery's electrolyte can accelerate failure by moving ions at varying speeds. Adjusting material processing techniques may help solve reliability problems with solid-state batteries.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm that can predict how different driving patterns affect battery performance, improving safety and reliability. The algorithm uses non-invasive probing to provide a holistic view of battery health, suggesting routes and driving patterns that minimize degradation and charging times.
Researchers have designed superfast charging methods tailored to power different types of electric vehicle batteries in 10 minutes or less without harm. By incorporating charging data into machine learning analysis, the team identified and optimized new protocols that significantly increase energy storage while minimizing battery damage.
Scientists have discovered that there is enough lithium in unconventional water sources to make extraction worthwhile. The composition of these sources affects the performance of emerging electrochemical intercalation technology, providing insights for refining and optimizing it.
Researchers created a profile of electric vehicle buyers and drivers, highlighting the importance of environmental communities and concern for air quality. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to analyze the association between purchasing an electric car and caring for the environment.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a sodium-ion battery with greatly extended longevity in laboratory tests. The new electrolyte recipe stabilizes the protective film on the anode and generates an ultra-thin protective layer, providing long cycle life and stability. This technology has potential for applications in light-duty electric ...
A new study from Australian National University finds that electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia. The results show that 93% of residents could do these trips with even lower-range electric vehicles, without needing to recharge en route.
The study found substantial variability in total cost of ownership (TCO) across different car segments and user profiles. TCOs are lower for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) without subsidies, making them more attractive to consumers and policymakers.
A study analyzing over 3 million EV-related Reddit posts reveals a wide spectrum of viewpoints on electric vehicles. The research found high similarities between political and fringe communities, indicating controversial opinions on environmental impacts.
Researchers at Portland State University created a two-stage stochastic programming model to optimize e-scooter placement, charging, and rebalancing in Tucson. The model uses data from the City of Tucson to answer questions on demand uncertainty, idle periods, and customer satisfaction.
Researchers propose a peer-to-peer system for electric vehicles to share charge while driving, reducing the need for charging stations and lowering travel times. The system uses a cloud-based control system to match vehicles in the same vicinity, allowing them to share charge en route.
Researchers warn policymakers that inadequate charging networks can derail EV adoption efforts, particularly if floods disrupt charging infrastructure, affecting not just the immediate area but also farther away. Strong public confidence in the network is crucial for long-term adoption and meeting carbon reduction targets.
Researchers developed a computational model to determine optimal places for electric vehicle charging facilities and powerful stations without straining the local power grid. The model considers travel flow, user demand, and regional power infrastructure needs.
Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered a method to date calcite trapped in ancient ocean floors, which could aid in sourcing critical minerals for electric cars and solar panels. This breakthrough could help meet the growing demand for renewable energy technologies.
A new study suggests achieving a 50% reduction in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is possible through increasing renewable capacity and transitioning to electric vehicles. This would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, aligning with the UN's climate target.
Researchers discovered an electrolyte additive that protects nickel-rich layered cathodes from degradation and improves cycling performance. The additive forms a protective layer on the cathode, reducing transition metal loss and increasing energy density.
A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University finds that upscale hotels in Texas benefit most from hosting Tesla charging stations between 2015-2018. The study suggests that the benefits are due to brand alignment and the presence of nearby tourist attractions, which attract customers seeking charging services.
A UNIGE team found that car owners systematically underestimate electric driving ranges to meet their daily needs. To overcome this, researchers suggest providing personalized information to increase drivers' willingness to adopt electric vehicles.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a design optimization system to incorporate blood vessel-like cooling networks into battery packaging for electric vehicles. The system balances performance-enhancing factors against problematic variables like weight and thermal activity to provide the best battery package specifications.
A new white paper from Portland State University explores how purchase incentive programs can expand the current e-bike market, identifying effective program structures and administration methods. The study examines impacts and statistics from around 75 e-bike incentive programs in North America.
Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...
A research group has synthesized electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries using inexpensive elements, reducing industrial reliance on rare metals like cobalt and nickel. The new materials also show promise in improving the safety of LIBs.
A new strain of algae has been identified that can produce green hydrogen gas via photosynthesis on an industrial scale. This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly green hydrogen and reduce pollution. The researchers also plan to develop methods to increase production rates and reduce costs.
A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.
Engineers at University of Illinois Chicago develop additive material to make inexpensive iron-nitrogen-carbon fuel cell catalysts more durable. The material scavenge and deactivate free radicals, reducing corrosion and degradation in fuel cells.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key reason for the performance decline of sodium-ion batteries, which are promising candidates for replacing lithium-ion materials. By adjusting synthesis conditions, they can fabricate far superior cathodes that will maintain performance with long-term cycling.
A scalable probabilistic model predicts EV charging demand will peak twice as high as current demand by 2030, unless charging patterns are managed. The model can account for various factors, including driver behavior, location, and timing of charges.
Scientists have created a quasi-solid-state cathode for solid-state lithium metal batteries, achieving significant reduction in interfacial resistance. The new design uses an ionic liquid to maintain excellent contact with the electrolyte, promising new directions in battery development.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to create lightweight fibers out of petroleum residue, offering advantages over traditional carbon fiber materials. The new process uses heavy waste material left over from refining, reducing production costs and enabling the creation of load-bearing applications.
A new study found that heavy traffic near roads is a significant contributor to water pollution, with contaminants from vehicle fluids, paints, and tires affecting nearby rivers. The study suggests that these pollutants come from road surfaces and are transported to watersheds through stormwater run-off.
A study found that lithium mining and climate change have caused a 10-12% decline in two species of flamingos in the Salar de Atacama lake. The birds can move to other lakes, but as demand for lithium increases, their habitats may be further threatened.
The researchers developed a power suit made of a layered carbon composite material that works as an energy-storing supercapacitor-battery hybrid device. This material could increase an electric car's range by 25% and boost its power, giving it the extra push it needs to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
Solid-state batteries with little liquid electrolyte are safer than lithium-ion batteries in many cases. However, they also have limitations, such as slow lithium ion movement from the solid electrolyte to electrodes.
Researchers at Universitat Politècnica de València are working on improving the safety of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. They aim to reduce thermal instability and prevent fires, with potential benefits for the automotive sector and beyond.
Researchers used x-rays to track lithium deposition and removal from a battery anode during cycling, identifying irregularities that lead to reduced capacity and lifespan. Incomplete lithium stripping causes dead spots on the anode, reducing cell capacity and electron flow.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to produce micro-supercapacitors, which can increase battery lifespan and enable fast charging. The new production process is scalable and could lead to significant environmental benefits by reducing battery recycling needs.
Scientists have developed a simple methodology for synthesizing novel β-SiC nanoparticle-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. These materials exhibit high current density, rated capacity and promising compatibility for reversible lithium-ion storage.
A chemical used in electric vehicle batteries can also power rockets and satellites, reducing CO2 emissions and requiring less storage. The new fuel, ammonia borane, releases more energy than traditional hydrocarbon fuels and has no environmental impact.
Researchers at UPV/EHU propose using caesium cations to improve the cyclability of sodium-air batteries, increasing their energy density and range. By adding a caesium salt to the electrolyte, they were able to achieve over 90 charge/discharge cycles.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.
A new material, sodium carbo-hydridoborate, improves the performance of solid-state sodium batteries, making them more sustainable and durable. The ideal pressure to be applied to the battery for efficient operation has also been defined.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable sulfur cathode that functions in a commercially viable carbonate electrolyte, enabling Li-S batteries with three times the capacity of Li-ion batteries and lasting over 4,000 recharges. This breakthrough paves the way for more sustainable battery alternatives.
Researchers at UTS have designed a molecule to tackle issues with lithium-oxygen batteries, increasing discharge capacity and efficiency. The breakthrough paves the way for long-life, energy-dense batteries capable of matching petrol-fuelled cars' driving ranges.
Researchers say a new framework can help trigger positive tipping points to tackle the climate crisis, including the growth of plant-based diets and regenerative farming methods. The Breakthrough Agenda at COP26 signals a shift in thinking, aiming to tip economic sectors into a green state.
Researchers have identified a class of calcium-based cathode materials that show promise for high-performance rechargeable batteries. By running quantum mechanics simulations, the team pinpointed cobalt as a well-rounded transition metal for a layered Ca-based cathode.
Newcastle University researchers argue that cities can use local policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. The authors highlight the importance of balancing demand pull-ins with technology push-ins to overcome barriers and enablers. Cities' own fleets, procurement systems, and fiscal powers can also help s...
A novel plan to deploy smart transactive energy systems on the US power grid could reduce daily load swings by 20-44% and save consumers up to $50 billion annually. By coordinating with utilities, consumers can dynamically control big energy users like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations.
A new online tool tracks e-bike purchase incentive programs in the US and Canada, providing a point of reference for future policy development. The tracker reveals that most programs set incentive levels fairly arbitrarily, with little thought given to their potential impact on specific groups or income brackets.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have partnered with BHP to identify new areas for nickel and copper deposits critical to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The project aims to challenge current understanding of the nickel mineral system, potentially opening up new exploration search space globally.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries made from a common material: rubber. The material, when formulated into a 3D structure, acts as a superhighway for fast lithium-ion transport with superior mechanical toughness.
A study by Yale University found that electric vehicles provide lower carbon emissions due to indirect emissions from the supply chain of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The study suggests that pricing indirect emissions can accelerate the low-carbon transition of the US light vehicle sector.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can enable extremely fast charging. The material, made from a bio-based polymer, showed enhanced lithium-ion kinetics and durability, retaining up to 90% of its capacity after 3,000 charge-discharge...
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of risk management to deal with complex environmental risks. Experts from academia and government have identified key sources of data and interventions to reduce multiple types of risk, including air pollution, food insecurity, and zoonotic diseases.
The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an algorithm that learns optimal energy usage for electric delivery-vehicles. By focusing on overall energy usage instead of just distance travelled, the vehicles can reduce their energy consumption by up to 20% and minimize battery usage.