Is Graphene the Next Revolutionary Material for Car Batteries?
Yes, we think so. And we're excited about it.
Imagine a material that can charge 12 times faster than your vehicle's current lithium-ion batteries. But here's what's remarkable about it: this same material can actually charge your electric vehicle in almost the same time it takes for you to brew a cup of coffee using your french press. That's around five minutes or less--far shorter than singing Greece’s “abridged version” of its national anthem.
It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true. Graphene, a promising, new form of carbon material, may be the next best thing in battery technology to date. And it’s starting to get “out there” already. In fact, you can see it in action when you catch the 1E bus from Central Belgrade, Serbia.
What is Graphene?
Graphene is (by far) the thinnest material on earth--it's only one atom thick. It's also the strongest--around 200 times thicker than steel. It is an excellent conductor of electricity, and has gained popularity for its thermal management potential. When it's combined with different gases and other materials (like carbon nanotubes), it's the ideal material for gadgets that run on electricity--including electric vehicles.
Graphene Electric Batteries
Electric vehicles fitted with graphene batteries can run around a maximum range of 800 kilometers, while a lithium battery can go more or less half of that number. According to Graphenano, these batteries can discharge and charge 33 times faster than the normal lithium-ion battery. And unlike others that lower their energy potential the more they're charged (and discharged), graphene batteries maintain the same energy capacity no matter how much you charge them.
According to Wired, graphene batteries are predicted to reach around $115 million by 2022. Many companies are already seeing their potential--including environmentalists. Carbon is easily sourced compared to lithium batteries. Not only is this more environment-friendly, but can prove to be cheaper in the long run.
Final Word
Graphene holds a lot of potential for electric vehicles, and can certainly be the next revolutionary material for car batteries. And as technology continues to improve and advance in the coming years, we can't wait to see what other wonders this material holds for the automotive industry.
