13 November, 2023 Webmaster

Battery Technology & Development

What is happening in the development of smarter and more efficient batteries? We are very proud to present Anders Nordelöf, PhD, Docent & Senior Researcher, Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, as the moderator for Battery Tech for EV 2023. His research investigates how technologies for electric propulsion change the environmental impacts of road vehicles and other types of vehicles for transportation and industry, using life cycle assessment (LCA) and other environmental systems analysis tools. We got the opportunity to ask Anders a few questions prior to the event and he shared his thoughts on Battery Technology & Development.

 


Could you please introduce yourself and your work at Chalmers?

My research investigates how technologies for electric propulsion change the environmental impacts of road vehicles and other types of vehicles for transportation and industry, using life cycle assessment and other environmental systems analysis tools. The purpose is to provide advice and guidance for the development of technology with reduced environmental impact and increased long-term sustainability.

What does the future hold for battery manufacturing?

I think we can expect a continued rapid scale-up and growth of battery cell and pack production, but supplying all these factories with the proper pre-cursor materials might become an increasing challenge.

What is happening in the development of smarter and more efficient batteries?

Batteries are generally a very energy efficient way to store energy, but in order to use them properly and have them live for as long as possible, much effort goes into designing suitable energy management for the various applications using batteries and smart charging strategies, along with the monitoring of battery health, for example.

What research is there on batteries that are smaller, cheaper and recyclable, but with greater storage capacity and better performance?

Research is ongoing about novel battery materials which are more abundant than for example lithium and cobalt, and therefore potentially cheaper at high volume production. There is also exploration of new and more efficient recycling procedures. However, it is not certain that all of this will push the technology towards all of these attributes at the same time. Cheaper raw materials might make it harder to get revenue from recycling, and not all novel materials can reach the similar or better energy density values compared to some of today’s lithium-ion batteries.

How do we achieve the fastest way for vehicles to interact with the grid?

This question is broader than batteries, spanning over a range of issues, from the willingness to install more costly power electronics in vehicles and households, to business models and which actors that will take part in providing flexibility services to the grid.

What are you most looking forward to by attending and moderating at the event?

Listening to and discussing with all the knowledgeable speakers and guests.