FollowMuch is being done to increase the range of electric vehicles, from improved lithium ion batteries to reducing the chassis weight. However, Japanese company Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) have developed a new material that they believe can improve the range of EVs by an impressive 300%.
The ‘super material’ is a form of porous aluminum called “Aluminum-Celmet.” It is a light-weight metal that SEI believes can be utilized in lithium ion batteries as its 3D structure can reportedly triple battery capacity. Made from nickel or nickel chrome alloy, Aluminium-Celmet is created through a combination of electro conductive coating, plastic foam, nickel plating and plastic foam. As a result, the material has a high porosity of up to 98%, which is much higher than other porous metals. Its mesh like structure also makes it easy to cut and mould for industrial purposes – namely hybrid vehicle nickel-hydrogen batteries.
Light, conductive and providing excellent corrosive resistance, SEI believes that Aluminum-Celmet is ideal for lithium-ion and other batteries that operate at high charge/discharge voltages. More importantly, if a material can be created than improves the range of EVs, then the general public will see the advantage of owning one. This discovery has the potential to increase the production of EVs, reduce the number of gas guzzlers and reduce carbon emissions.
Source: inhabitat
