Doubling Mileage of EVs

A team of South Korean researchers has developed a new technology to double the mileage of electric vehicles (EVs).

One of the key factors determining the quality of EVs is their batteries' capacity and performance.

The price of batteries used to run EVs accounts for more than half of that of the cars, and the single charge range of the vehicles are relatively shorter than that of conventional gas-powered cars.

In this context, the team of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has developed the technology that is capable of maximizing the energy efficiency and capacity of batteries for EVs. It added that the new technology will bring down the cost of battery production.

According to the KIER team, its new technology can produce low-cost, high-quality anode materials made from silicon oxide nano powder for lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, which replace current graphite anode materials.

The technology to produce the novel materials will soon be transfered to the domestic battery industry, and the materials will be mass produced for exports from next year.

The technology is known to be catching the eye of American EV maker Tesla as well as global battery manufacturers.

[Jang Bo-Yoon, researcher, KIER]
"(This technology) can be applied to the production of all kinds of lithium-ion batteries. We hope the technology will be used for electric vehicles and electricity storage devices among others."

The technology is expected to help lower the price of EVs for consumers and extend the range of the eco-friendly vehicles.