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New eVTOL Flying Car Aims for Takeoff in 2025

11/17/2024

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Austrian aviation company CycloTech has revealed it's building a demonstrator version of an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicle to showcase its propulsion system for electric flight. The firm is hoping to take the wraps off its BlackBird flying car by the end of this year, and commence test flights in early 2025.

CycloTech has been shaping its 360-degree thrust vectoring propulsion barrels, which it calls CycloRotors, over the last few years. It's keen to test the seventh generation of this propulsion system in this demonstrator. The company also says this is especially well suited to flying cars, because it's the only one that can control the thrust vector in strength and direction in a full 360-degree path.

The BlackBird will feature six CycloRotors to enable vertical take-off and landing, parallel parking, and braking and deceleration in mid-air. 

It'll end up being about three quarters of the size of CycloTech’s last concept model: 16 ft long, 7.5 ft wide, and 6.5 ft tall. With a maximum take-off weight of 750 lb., it'll manage a top speed of 75 mph.

The six CycloRotor configuration includes two rotors along the length of the vehicle; that enables precise sideways and backward flight, as well as mid-air braking – all without tilting or banking. That should give passengers a smooth ride regardless of the conditions in the air. 
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If cyclotech can get this newest version ‘off the ground,’ the future of aviation could look a lot like what was promised all those years ago in The Jetsons.


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New In-Flight Earbud Adapter—Ideal For Travelers

9/15/2024

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Noise-canceling earphones, such as the AirPods Pro, are excellent for blocking outside noise when you’re traveling, but there’s a catch: they don’t interface with airplane in-flight entertainment systems. Fortunately, there are Bluetooth transmitters like the Twelve South AirFly Duo that take care of it for you. At Best Buy and Amazon, you can get one for $44 and it may even be on sale.

The Duo is incredibly easy to use because of its built-in 3.5mm cable. Just insert it into the headphone port of the seatback entertainment system, connect it with your Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones or earbuds, and you’re ready to go. The best part about this is that you’ll probably wind up with even better sound quality because, more often than not, your own Bluetooth headphones are superior to the corded earbuds that airlines usually provide. It can be connected to another pair of speakers if you and your traveling buddy want to watch the same shows together.
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The wireless headphone adapter is an excellent purchase because of its many benefits, besides audio sharing. Because USB-C is supported, you can fast recharge when the time comes. The Duo’s ability to link wireless headphones to other devices—from a Nintendo Switch to compatible treadmills—will come in handy long after your flight has ended.

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Discovery in California Could Power 375 Million Electric Vehicles

9/1/2024

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The enormous, rapidly receding Salton Sea, in the southeast of California, holds the key to the global future of clean energy. A new assessment from the U.S. Department of Energy claims this region contains an abundance of lithium, sufficient to power over 375 million electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This places the area as a potential powerhouse in the global lithium industry, surpassing the entire number of automobiles now on U.S. roadways.

For the creation of rechargeable batteries, which are used in everything from smartphones to electric cars, lithium is essential. This discovery appears to be a hopeful development given the global push for clean energy and the U.S. goal of increased energy independence. But as researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) warn, there could be serious negative effects on the environment and public health if America rushes to harvest lithium.

Manuel Pastor, the director of the USC Equity Research Institute, stated that “Lithium Valley” is currently positioned for a potential economic boom that is being supported not only by businesses but also by environmentalists who think the method of lithium extraction being proposed there is the “greenest” approach available. “But who will profit from the boom and who will continue to be marginalized?” is the real question.

Lithium from the Salton Sea is found in geothermal brine, which is hot, mineral-rich water below the surface. Comparing this form of lithium extraction to conventional hard rock mining, it is thought to be less harmful to the environment. Lithium may be collected from the brine by pumping it to the surface and then pumping the sans-lithium liquid back to the ground. This method is being heralded as a possible game-changer for environmentally friendly lithium production.

Australia presently produces more lithium than any other country in the world, mostly from hard rock mining. Major producers of lithium are also found in nations like China, Chile, and Argentina that harvest the metal from salt lakes. But now, the World Economic Forum reports, California’s Salton Sea is emerging as a major factor.

The concerns of depending on foreign suppliers for necessary elements like lithium, nickel, and cobalt—which power the batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) and electronic devices—have been brought to light by the epidemic and geopolitical tensions. According to World Bank projections, there will be a 500% increase in lithium consumption by 2050.

According to Greys Sošić, an expert in sustainability and global supply chains at the USC Marshall School of Business, “the U.S. needs to reduce the amount of lithium used in batteries and seek alternative local sources of lithium to enable sustainable future production from local resources.”

The Salton Sea’s proposed geothermal brine lithium recovery is one such option that might help fill the rising demand while lowering dependency on foreign lithium sources.

There is something peculiar about the Salton Sea, though. Because of an engineering blunder that occurred in 1905, it was unintentionally formed, and ever since, its dry lakebed has been exposing poisonous particles. Significant health concerns are associated with this dust, particularly for children in the nearby towns, who already face difficult economic and environmental conditions.

This is one of California’s poorest counties, with a typical household income that is about one-third that of Silicon Valley. While it boasts an 85% Latino population, but its political representation is far from up to par, according to Pastor.

The prevalence of childhood asthma in these neighborhoods is startlingly high. Air quality near the Salton Sea has been the subject of research by Shohreh Farzan, an associate professor of population and public health at the USC Keck School of Medicine, since 2017. According to her analysis, the childhood asthma rate in the towns surrounding the sea is 22%, which is higher than the national average of approximately 8%.

“The local air quality is probably a factor in the high rates we see, as many children in this area suffer from respiratory symptoms like wheezing and allergies,” Farzan said. “While lithium can help us become less dependent on fossil fuels, there is still much to learn about the environmental effects of the extraction process and whether this shift to cleaner energy could have an adverse effect on the health of the local communities.”

The Imperial Valley’s push for lithium mining reflects a larger global issue: balancing the pressing demand for clean energy and the necessity of safeguarding ecosystems and vulnerable communities. This was highlighted by Jill Johnston, an associate professor at USC’s division of environmental health.

“While promoting zero-emission technology and moving away from fossil fuels is vital for public health, it’s also necessary to prevent creating new environmental risks,” she stated. “The unduly burdened families around the proposed lithium extraction site deserve access to clean water and air and health protection.”
Imperial Valley faces a critical decision as the globe rushes toward a future powered primarily by renewable energy. Lithium mining has the potential to have a significant positive economic impact, bringing prosperity and jobs to an area that desperately needs them. However, it is impossible to overlook the health and environmental issues.
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The trick will be figuring out how to use the lithium in the Salton Sea while still taking care of the local ecology and population. “Lithium Valley” has the potential to serve as an example for sustainable resource exploitation if done well. If not, it might end up serving as just another illustration of how economic growth can neglect the most marginalized populations.
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5 New Google Maps and Waze Features

8/18/2024

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It’s much simpler to avoid traffic when you use Google Maps and Waze, whether you’re using them for a road trip or your regular commute to work. Five new features, including one that alerts you to traffic that may affect you even if you’re not currently at that spot, made both apps even better last week.
Here’s what’s new:

Easier reporting. One of the best things about Waze and Google Maps is the community reporting tool. You can notify other drivers about accidents, construction, police, and more by simply touching a button.
Not only will Google Maps now display reports from other Waze and Maps users, but larger buttons will make it simpler for you to view those reports. You will see which app generated the report. This new feature is available now.

Buildings highlighted. It might be challenging to find your way around a new facility, particularly if you’re not familiar with the parking situation there. Maps ought to illuminate the building at your destination and its entrance on the path when you get there. Parking lots and their entrances should be included on maps. Google intends to release this upgrade within the next few weeks.

Reports on new cameras. Waze is introducing new kinds of cameras to keep up with the increasing prevalence of speed enforcement and red-light cameras in the US. Google reports Waze will now notify drivers about cameras that enforce seatbelt, speed, red-light, and HOV lane restrictions to assist drivers in adhering to local laws.

Drivers may even receive a warning about cameras monitoring their cell phone use while driving in select places. These reports are currently being distributed and are expected to originate from both publicly accessible databases and the Waze community.

Alerts in real time about the locations you love. Waze has always provided real-time information on traffic conditions, but from now on it should also notify you in advance if there is an issue with your regular route—even if you are not there. You will receive an alert if traffic in the vicinity changes if you frequently drive in that area or if you have places saved there. Waze will notify you if there are any road closures because of events like parades or large concerts, and it will also offer an alternative route if necessary. This functionality can be accessed right now.
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Navigation while locked. Waze can now provide advice, such as turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and danger alerts, from your phone’s lock screen to assist you in traveling as safely and distraction-free as possible. This feature will roll out this month on Android and this fall on iOS.
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NASA Announces First-of-Its-Kind Jet Engine

7/14/2024

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A team of NASA specialists isn’t aiming for the stars with their ground-breaking jet engine core design, which is now under development. Instead, the hybrid aircraft engine might result in a 10% reduction in fuel consumption for Earth-based travel on future passenger aircraft.

It’s a component of a clever concept that aims to reduce air pollution and travel expenses.

Aerospace is working with General Electric to design the engine. With an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, it will use a larger fan and a smaller core.

Known as HyTEC (Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core), an article from Interesting Engineering claims it may be the first engine of its sort built for an airplane.

“GE Aerospace and NASA have worked together for many years to develop cutting-edge aircraft technologies,” Kathleen Mondino of GE stated in a press statement. “The HyTEC program builds on this relationship to help chart the future of more sustainable flight.”

It is planned for the technology to be operational by the 2030s. It generates the same thrust as a conventional engine with a larger fan package and a smaller core thanks to increased electrical power, which results in increased efficiency. It uses less fuel as a result.

A NASA graphic illustrating the planned engine’s internal mechanisms appears to have gears, shafts, and other components, as one might expect. Several part descriptions include the phrase “high pressure”.

Since the idea will subject the engine to a great deal of heat and pressure, the team claims to have identified robust materials for it during the first round of development. They are currently on phase two of the project.

From the beginning, we have had a singular focus. Project lead Anthony Nerone stated, “We started the project with specific technical goals and metrics for success and, so far, we haven’t had to change course from any of them.”

For hybrid and electric aircraft technology, companies like Ampaire are working on initiatives similar to those of NASA and GE. According to Simple Flying, fuel can make up 20–40% of an airline’s expenses. Thus, more economical engines or all-electric models may have a significant effect on flight costs.

The innovations ought to contribute to a partial decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector. According to Our World in Data, the industry handles roughly 4% of the global warming to date and 2.5% of the planet’s carbon dioxide emissions. Climate.gov estimates that global warming has occurred since 1850 by 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Climate specialists at MIT say it’s part of a disturbing trend that might have disastrous, permanent effects.

NASA claims that increased frequency and severity of floods, droughts, and other natural catastrophes are associated with global warming caused by humans. The issue is that insurance rates are affected since a broader portion of the world is now at risk of extreme weather.

The experts concluded that the HyTEC engine will directly address the issue by consuming less fuel.
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“What we’re creating has never been done before, and it involves many different technologies coming together to form a new type of engine,” Nerone stated.

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How Many EV Charging Stations Will We Need When We’re All Electric?

6/16/2024

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Buyers curious about making the switch to electric vehicles have made it clear in survey after survey after survey: Charging freaks them out.

Many drivers report that owning an electric vehicle is comparable to, if not better than, owning a gas-powered vehicle. However, filling up an electric car is different and, depending on where you live, may be inconvenient. For this reason, even people who are interested in purchasing an electric car may find it frightening.

Most modern American electric vehicle owners charge their vehicles at home, yet over 20% of householdslack access to regular off-street parking that allows them to leave their vehicles plugged in overnight. Meanwhile, there are issues with the public charging network, which is not always reliable. Drivers have reported that chargers aren’t always in good working order.

The good news is that the US has a charging problem, as acknowledged by governments, automakers, and other policy players. They favor the use of electric vehicles by more people. Lawmakers understand that switching from gas-powered to zero-emission electric vehicles will be crucial to preventing the worst effects of climate change, which is why automakers are pushing for consumers to purchase EVs.

According to data gathered by the US Department of Energy, the number of public and private charging ports and charging stations in the US has more than doubled since 2020 because of the early efforts to transition to EVs. Currently, 240 more stations are being planned. Contrast it with the gas infrastructure of today: In the United States, there are around 145,000 gas stations, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

The question then becomes: How many more charging stations would the US need to add if we could just snap our fingers and make every car electric?

Coltura, a research and advocacy group for alternative fuels, employed statisticians to crunch the data.

What was the final result of all that data manipulation? The country has to construct a huge number of chargers before it reaches full electrification, which experts estimate should happen in the 2040s. However, the work might not be as impossible as it appears.

According to Coltura’s statistics and policy associate Ron Barzilay and executive director Matthew Metz, the organization will need to add public chargers by a factor of six. Metz replies, “We’re not necessarily off-track.”

Many analysts predict that some areas of the world will continue to use gas-powered cars for some time to come, even as the world rushes toward complete electrification.

Most experts don’t think that most drivers would cleanly replace their gas station habit with a public charging habit, which contributes to the estimates’ optimistic outlook on public charging. Alternatively, according to Metz and Barzilay, 70% of drivers’ charging needs will be satisfied by home charging, and 90% of dwelling units will have EV chargers. People who plug in at work may fulfill an additional 10% of their needs. Coltura predicts that the remaining 20% of the charging will take place at those public charging stations, with the DC fast chargers—which are now the fastest on the market—making up about 70% of those stations.
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The present is crucial, argues Barzilay. He states that “we’re unsure about what type of tech will be available” when full electrification occurs because making predictions about the future is difficult. It’s possible that a quicker, more efficient standard will have replaced today’s top-of-the-line fast chargers, which can charge a car from empty to 80% in around 20 minutes, by the time the entire country is using EVs. If such were the case, the nation’s situation would be considerably better than expected.
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German Researchers Develop EV Motor With No Rare-Earth Magnets

5/5/2024

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Currently, 95% of the rare earths come from China. Today, EV motors include rare-earth magnets and if China decides not to share their supply, it will be catastrophic for the EV marketplace.

Of all the several obstacles to transportation decarbonization, electric motors present one of the most compelling. Researchers are currently working on a development that could speed up the shift to electric vehicles across the globe: a tough, small, strong electric motor without rare-earth permanent magnets that can withstand high temperatures and has a high power density.

Some of the world’s top machine designers are currently consumed by this enormous issue. Many of them work at ZF Friedrichshafen AG, one of the biggest manufacturers of auto parts in the world.

When ZF revealed late last year that it had constructed a 220-kilowatt traction motor without the use of rare-earth elements, it actually shocked observers.

The company declared that the features of their new motor were like those of the rare-earth permanent-magnet synchronous motors that are currently the industry standard in electric cars. Most EVs are powered by 150–300 kilowatt rare-earth magnet motors, with power densities varying from 1.1–3.0 kW per kilogram. In the meantime, ZF claims to have created a 220 kW rare-earth-free motor that falls squarely in the middle of that range.

A separately excited (or doubly excited) synchronous motor is the kind of motor that the ZF machine is. It replaces the rare-earth permanent magnets found in the rotors of almost all EV motors on the road today with electromagnets in both the stator and the rotor. A rotating magnetic field is created in a separately excited synchronous motor by applying alternating current to the stator electromagnets. The rotor electromagnets are energized by a separate current that applies to them; this creates a field that locks onto the rotating stator field, producing torque.

Since there isn’t a perfect method for transferring power to the rotating rotor magnets, these devices haven’t been used very often in EVs up to now. Many of these motors create electrical contact with a spinning surface using sliders and brushes; however, the brushes eventually wear out and emit dust. An alternative method of transferring power is by inductance, although in that scenario, the apparatus is typically cumbersome, making the unit complicated and physically large and heavy.

However, ZF now claims that its experimental motor, known as the I2SM (for In-Rotor Inductive-Excited Synchronous Motor), has resolved these issues. In contrast to permanent-magnet synchronous motors, the motor has a few more benefits, besides not using any rare earth materials. These are related to the fact that, unlike permanent magnets, this type of motor technology allows for exact control of the magnetic field in the rotor. This control thus allows the field to be varied to achieve, for example, substantially higher efficiency at high speeds.
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ZF Friedrichshafen AG was founded in 1915 and is based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is renowned for its extensive R&D history and many commercially successful inventions. The company first started providing gears and other parts for Zeppelins in 1915. Currently, the corporation employs about 168,000 people across 31 countries. Customers for its electric drivetrains and motors include Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. Late last year, shortly after announcing the I2SM, the company announced the sale of its 3,000,000th motor.
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New Phase-Change Concrete Melts Snow and Ice Without Salt or Shovels

4/7/2024

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Researchers have devised a self-heating substance that can melt snow and ice for up to 10 hours without the need of shovels or salt by incorporating a phase-change compound into concrete. The new substance may lessen the requirement for salting and plowing while helping to maintain the integrity of road surfaces.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that over 70% of roadways are in areas with snowfall. Accumulation of snow and ice decreases vehicle mobility and road friction, slowing down traffic and raising the possibility of collisions.

Besides the millions of dollars spent on restoring infrastructure damage brought on by snow and ice, the DOT reports that local and state governments spend more than $2.3 billion a year on snow and ice control activities. Before a snowfall, salt is frequently applied to prevent icing, yet the highly concentrated salt solution can damage asphalt or concrete. Water that penetrates the pavement and freezes expands, creating internal pressure and deteriorating the pavement.

Researchers from Drexel University, in the well-known “cold state” of Pennsylvania, describe their self-heating concrete in a recent study as a potential solution to snow-covered roads and the expenses related to cleaning and maintaining them.

“One way to extend the service life of concrete surfaces, like roadways, is to help them maintain a surface temperature above freezing during the winter,” said Amir Farnam, principal investigator at Drexel’s Advanced Infrastructure Materials (AIM) lab and one of the study’s corresponding authors. “Preventing freezing and thawing and cutting back on the need for plowing and salting are good ways to keep the surface from deteriorating. So, our work is looking at how we can incorporate special materials in the concrete that help it maintain a higher surface temperature when the ambient temperature around it drops.”

Paraffin, a substance known as a phase-change material because it produces heat when it transitions from a liquid form at ambient temperature to a solid one when temperatures drop, is the “special material” used by the researchers. Phase-change concrete was tested in a thermally controlled lab environment in a prior study, but in this one, real-world circumstances and real-time testing were used.

Paraffin was incorporated into concrete slabs using two different techniques. The first method involved soaking and absorbing porous lightweight aggregate—the tiny stones and pebbles added to concrete to give it strength—in liquid paraffin before mixing it into the concrete. In the second method, the concrete was mixed immediately with paraffin microcapsules.

Three slabs were poured by the researchers; two had paraffin included in different ways, while the third had no phase-change substance. Since December 2021, all three have been outside, close to a parking lot on the Drexel University campus. Over the course of the first two years, they experienced five snowfalls of one inch or more and 32 freeze-thaw occurrences, which were defined as periods when the temperature fell below freezing regardless of precipitation (rain, drizzle, snow, sleet, or hail).

Thermal sensors and cameras were used to track the snow and ice melting capabilities of the 30-by-30-inch slabs. When air temperatures dropped below freezing, the phase-change concrete kept its surface temperature between 42 °F and 55 °F (5.6 °C and 12.8 °C) for as long as ten hours, the researchers discovered. About a quarter of an inch of snow might be melted every hour at a rate of a few inches because of the heat generated.

“We have demonstrated that our self-heating concrete is capable of melting snow on its own, using only the environmental daytime thermal energy—and doing it without the help of salt, shoveling or heating systems,” Farnam said. “This self-heating concrete is suitable for mountainous and northern regions in the US, such as Northeast Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, where there are suitable heating and cooling cycles in winter.”

The micro-capsule paraffin heated up faster but only held heat for half the duration of the lightweight aggregate slab’s heating, which allowed it to stay above freezing for up to 10 hours. The porosity of the aggregate, according to the researchers, probably helps the paraffin stay liquid below its typical freezing temperature of 42 °F. This means that instead of releasing its heat energy right away when the temperature dropped, the slab held off until the material reached 39 °F/3.9 °C. In comparison, the paraffin slab that was microencapsulated started to release heat energy as soon as it reached 42 °F.

“Our findings suggest that the phase-change material treated lightweight aggregate concrete was more suited for deicing applications at sub-zero temperatures because of its gradual heat release within a wider range of temperature,” said Farnam.
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According to the experts, concrete deterioration can be avoided if it can be kept from falling below freezing.
The study was published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering.
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Battery Innovation Could Provide a Range of Over 3,000 Miles on a Single Charge

1/7/2024

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A major advancement in battery technology has occurred in the quickly developing field of electric vehicles (EVs), offering previously unheard-of increases in energy storage capacity. This finding comes at a perfect time, as the electric vehicle sector is growing at an exponential rate.

Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) researchers have revealed a novel method for increasing battery energy storage capacity tenfold. In addition to improving battery technology, this breakthrough has the potential to change the electric vehicle market itself.

Anode's Role in Batteries. The anode, a part of the battery that stores energy during the charging stage and discharges it during use, is essential to how batteries work. At the moment, most contemporary lithium batteries employ graphite as their primary anode material.

But some materials, like silicon, have a far higher intrinsic energy capacity than graphite, which could make them a better choice for designing effective batteries. But maintaining a battery that uses a silicon anode has always been difficult. One of the main problems is that silicon expands because of internal battery reactions, endangering the stability and security of the battery.

A Breakthrough. Professors Soojin Park and Youn Soo Kim of POSTECH have devised a way to address this persistent problem with Professor Jaegeon Ryu of Sogang University.

Their creative solution comprises creating a unique binding substance that can stop the expansion of a high-capacity silicon anode. What was the outcome? It’s a lithium battery with an astounding 10 times the capacity of similar batteries with a graphite anode.

This development means that an EV with a larger battery will have a greater driving range. More energy storage capacity for electric cars could level the playing field and make them as efficient as or even more so than gasoline-powered cars.

"The research holds the potential to increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries through the incorporation of high-capacity anode materials, extending the driving range of electric vehicles," Professor Park said in remarks on the POSTECH website, highlighting the significant accomplishment.

"Silicon-based anode materials could potentially increase the driving range at least tenfold," he added, underscoring the revolutionary potential of silicon-based anodes.
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As we approach a more environmentally friendly future, state-of-the-art battery technology will be at the front of this shift, putting us closer to a society that is less dependent on fossil fuels. And considering these latest events, that future is more likely than ever.

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New Technology Could Extend EV Range to Over 3,000 Miles on a Single Charge

10/1/2023

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A substantial advancement in battery technology has been made in the quickly developing field of electric vehicles (EVs), offering an unparalleled increase in energy storage capabilities. This finding couldn't have come at a better moment, given the exponential rise the electric vehicle sector is currently experiencing.

The energy storage capacity of batteries can now be increased tenfold according to a ground-breaking method developed by researchers at the Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH). This invention could change the face of the entire electric vehicle market in addition to advancing battery technology.

The Function of the Anode in Batteries. The anode, a component in charge of storing energy during the charging stage and then discharging it when the battery is in use, is fundamental to how batteries work. In most contemporary lithium batteries, graphite is currently the material of choice for anodes.

However, some substances, such as silicon, naturally have a far higher energy density than graphite, making them potentially more suitable for effective battery design. However, stabilizing a battery that makes use of a silicon anode has always been difficult. One of the main problems is that the internal chemical processes in the battery cause silicon to expand, endangering the stability and safety of the battery.

A Silicon Anode Technology Breakthrough. Enter Professors Jaegeon Ryu of Sogang University and Professors Soojin Park and Youn Soo Kim of POSTECH, who have devised a solution to this age-old problem with Professor Soojin Park of POSTECH.

Their innovative approach involved devising a special binding material capable of preventing a high-capacity silicon anode from expanding. The result? A lithium battery that boasts a staggering ten times the capacity of its graphite-anode counterparts.

However, POSTECH is not the only company competing to reinvent battery technology globally. Around the world, many teams are persistently pursuing more effective and sustainable solutions.

For instance, a Chinese business has already developed an EV battery that uses sodium, a material that is both affordable and widely accessible, as an effective substitute for the more expensive lithium. The development of an improved solid-state battery is being driven by NASA's innovation and promises to be both small and light compared to current lithium batteries.

Towards a Greener Tomorrow. These battery improvements have implications that go beyond the world of transportation. Using cleaner energy sources, including wind and solar energy, requires efficient batteries. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are weather-dependent, in contrast to fossil fuels, which produce energy instantly. To capture energy under ideal conditions and supply it at less favorable times, such as the night or windless days, there is an inherent requirement for efficient storage options.

When we translate this advancement to EVs, a powerful battery implies a longer driving range. The ability of electric vehicles to store more energy might level the playing field, making them just as, if not more, efficient than their gasoline counterparts.

Speaking on the monumental achievement, Professor Park stated on the POSTECH website, “The research holds the potential to increase significantly the energy density of lithium-ion batteries through incorporating high-capacity anode materials, extending the driving range of electric vehicles.”

He further emphasized the transformative potential of silicon-based anodes by adding, “Silicon-based anode materials might increase the driving range at least tenfold.”
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As we stand on the precipice of a greener future, it’s clear that innovative battery technology will be at the forefront of this revolution, driving us towards a world less reliant on polluting energy sources. And with these recent developments, that future seems closer than ever.
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    Author

    Rick Richardson, CPA, CITP, CGMA

    Rick is the editor of the weekly newsletter, Technology This Week. You can subscribe to it by visiting the website.

    Rick is also the Managing Partner of Richardson Media & Technologies, LLC. Prior to forming his current company, he had a 28-year career in technology with Ernst & Young, the last twelve years of which he served as National Director of Technology.

    Mr. Richardson has been named to the "Technology 100"- the annual honors list of the 100 key achievers in technology in America. He has also been honored by the American Institute of CPAs with two Lifetime Achievement awards and a Special Career Recognition Award for his contributions to the profession in the field of technology.

    In 2012, Rick was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame by CPA Practice Advisor Magazine. He has also been named to the 100 most influential individuals in the accounting profession in America by Accounting Today magazine.

    In 2017, Rick was inducted as a Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achiever, a registry of professionals who have excelled in their fields for many years and achieved greatness in their industry.

    He is a sought after speaker around the world, providing his annual forecast of future technology trends to thousands of business executives, professionals, community leaders, educators and students.

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