The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has risen dramatically as the globe transitions to a more sustainable future. The battery is one of an EV’s most important parts since it affects the vehicle’s performance, range, and total environmental effect. EVs have traditionally used lithium-ion batteries, but recent advances in Lithium-Sulphur (Li-S) EV batteries might completely change the market.
In this article, we’ll look into the world of lithium-Sulphur electric car batteries, learning about their advantages, the most recent developments, and how they could soon revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.
What are Lithium-Sulphur EV Batteries?
Lithium-Sulphur batteries are a particular kind of rechargeable battery that mostly consists of these two elements. Li-S batteries have a number of benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including greater energy density, reduced weight, and an easier material composition. Li-S batteries are a desirable substitute for EV producers seeking to enhance the performance and environmental effect of their vehicles due to these benefits.
Higher Energy Density
The increased energy density of Li-S batteries is one of its main advantages. The amount of energy a battery can hold in a certain volume or weight is referred to as energy density. The energy density of Li-S batteries has the potential to be up to double that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, which may greatly extend the driving range of electric cars.
Reduced Weight
The lighter weight of Li-S batteries is another benefit. Li-S batteries can weigh a lot less than lithium-ion batteries since they don’t need cathodes made of heavy metals like nickel, cobalt, or manganese. This weight loss may result in lighter, more efficient electric vehicles, which would increase their performance and range.
Simplified Bill of Materials
The Li-S battery’s simplified bill of materials eliminates the need for rare and costly metals like cobalt and nickel by using Lithium and Sulphur as the key components. This simplicity decreases the cost of making Li-S batteries while also minimizing the negative social and environmental effects of the metals’ extraction.
The Role of 3D Graphene in Lithium-Sulphur Batteries
One atom thick layer of carbon atoms known as graphene has long been praised as a wonder material with several uses. Graphene is essential in the context of Lithium-Sulphur batteries for overcoming some of the problems that come with this battery chemistry.
Overcoming Challenges with 3D Graphene
Due to the Sulphur atoms that are shuttled around while charging and discharging, Li-S batteries have encountered problems including limited cycle life and manufacturing difficulties. Researchers have been able to overcome these difficulties by adding three-dimensional (3D) graphene into the battery construction.
Sulphur atoms are held in place by the 3D graphene, which serves as a framework, reducing the likelihood of their shifting and extending the cycle life of the battery. Additionally, the 3D structure of graphene increases response surface area, resulting in a higher energy density.
Tunable 3D Graphene Super materials
Pioneering businesses in the making of tunable 3D graphene super materials include Lyten. By transforming planar graphene into 3D carbon forms and structures using Lyten’s unique reactor technique, they are able to boost its reactivity and enable the properties required for Li-S batteries.
In addition to making Li-S battery chemistry possible, this adjustable 3D graphene also has opportunities for other uses, like lightweight composites for vehicle components and cutting-edge sensors.
Stellantis Invests in Lyten for Lithium-Sulphur EV Battery Technology
A well-known manufacturer recently revealed that it has invested in Lyten, a Silicon Valley firm that specializes in Li-S EV battery technology. Through this investment, the two businesses will be able to work together to create Li-S batteries and other cutting-edge technology for upcoming electric cars.
In line with Stellantis’ business goal, Dare Forward 2030, which targets for 100% of passenger vehicle sales in Europe and 50% in the US by 2030, Lyten’s Li-S batteries are anticipated to be ready for manufacturing by the end of the decade.
Source : https://www.stellantis.com/en/news
Lower Carbon Footprint
The smaller carbon footprint of Lyten’s Lithium-Sulphur batteries compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries is one of its most important environmental benefits. Lyten claims that its Li-S batteries have a 60% smaller carbon footprint and is trying to make its manufacturing process carbon neutral.
Localized Production and Sourcing
Another benefit of Lyten’s Li-S batteries is the potential for localized production and raw material sourcing in North America and Europe. This localization not only reduces the environmental impact of transportation but also takes advantage of growing incentives in key automotive markets to boost supply and support clean energy initiatives.
Integration of Lithium-Sulphur Batteries into Electric Vehicles
Stellantis plans to begin deploying Lyten’s Lithium-Sulphur EV battery technology into its vehicles in the second half of the decade. This integration forms part of Stellantis’ strategy to introduce a lineup of affordable electric models at scale.
Brands under the Stellantis umbrella, such as Jeep and Ram, are launching their first electric vehicles in North America. For instance, the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup is expected to hit the market in late 2023, while Jeep will be opening reservations for the Recon and Wagoneer S electric models this year.
Lyten’s Plans for a Gigafactory
With the backing of Stellantis and other investors, Lyten is currently searching for a location for its first giga factory. At present, Lyten produces its lithium-Sulphur batteries, composites, and sensors at a 145,000-square-foot campus in Silicon Valley.
The company believes that its technology can find applications in various sectors, such as electric vehicles, aerospace, and last-mile delivery, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and improve cost-efficiency.
Potential Form Factors for Lithium-Sulphur Batteries
Lyten is exploring various form factors for its Lithium-Sulphur batteries, including cylindrical cells, pouch cells, and prismatic cells. The company aims to make its batteries compatible with existing battery manufacturing equipment and production lines, further reducing the cost and complexity of adopting Li-S battery technology.
Cylindrical Cells
Lyten is initially focusing on cylindrical cells in a common 18650 format. These cells are widely used in various applications, including electric vehicles and consumer electronics, and are produced by major battery manufacturers like Panasonic and Samsung SDI.
Pouch Cells
Pouch cells are another form factor that Lyten is considering for its Lithium-Sulphur batteries. These cells offer a flexible, lightweight design that can be optimized for various applications, including electric vehicles.
Prismatic Cells
Prismatic cells are a potential future form factor for Lyten’s Lithium-Sulphur batteries. These cells offer a more compact and energy-dense design, making them ideal for applications where space and weight are critical factors.
Manufacturing Compatibility with Existing Battery Production Lines
The ability of Lyten’s Lithium-Sulphur battery technology to work with current battery manufacturing processes is one of its key benefits. To handle Li-S battery architecture, the firm predicts that just 10% to 15% of a production line’s direct expenses would need to be changed. Due to its compatibility, lithium-sulphur batteries may be switched over more easily, decreasing the need for new battery plants and the cost and environmental effect of doing so.
Timeline for Commercialization of Lithium-Sulphur EV Batteries
By the end of the decade, according to Lyten and Stellantis, Li-S batteries will be prepared for manufacturing and incorporation into electric cars. Even though Li-S batteries have shown energy densities comparable to or higher than those of lithium-ion batteries, more has to be done to increase their cycle life and conform to regulatory standards.
Lyten is advancing its Lithium-Sulphur battery technology, and it is anticipated that by 2030, the technology will be economically feasible, placing Lyten at the forefront of battery development for electric cars.
Comparison with other battery technologies:
Li-S batteries have a number of benefits over conventional battery technologies, including greater energy density and less weight. For instance, Li-S batteries may have an energy density that is up to double that of existing lithium-ion batteries, which might greatly extend the driving range of electric cars.
In addition, Li-S batteries eliminate the requirement for rare and costly metals like cobalt and nickel by using lithium and Sulphur as their principal components. However, Li-S batteries also have drawbacks including poor cycle life and complicated production processes. Even though Li-S batteries have shown energy densities comparable to or higher than those of lithium-ion batteries, more has to be done to increase their cycle life and conform to regulatory standards.
Challenges and limitations of lithium-Sulphur batteries:
Despite its potential, Li-S batteries have a number of drawbacks. The limited cycle life of Li-S batteries, which is caused by the shifting of Sulphur atoms during charging and discharging, is one of the biggest problems. Researchers have started adding three-dimensional (3D) graphene into the battery construction to overcome this difficulty.
In addition, the use of Sulphur in Li-S batteries may result in the creation of polysulfides, which may compromise battery performance and raise safety concerns. The cost-effectiveness and affordability of Li-S batteries, as well as their recycling and disposal, are additional difficulties and restrictions. To solve these problems and unlock the full potential of Li-S batteries, more research is required.
Safety concerns and regulations :
Li-S batteries need to adhere to safety norms and laws, just like any other battery technology. Sulphur usage in Li-S batteries raises potential safety issues, such as the development of polysulfides, which can result in battery deterioration and poor performance. To remedy this, scientists have been creating strategies to stabilize the Sulphur cathode, including utilizing 3D graphene.
Furthermore, the usage of lithium in batteries might come with safety issues, such as the possibility of a fire or explosion in the event that batteries are damaged or handled incorrectly. To prevent any potential harm to users or the environment, Li-S batteries must be made safe and compliant with laws when they are developed and marketed.
Cost-effectiveness and affordability :
Although Li-S batteries have a number of benefits over lithium-ion batteries, research is currently being done to determine how cost-effective and affordable they are. Due to the requirement for further research and development, the initial expenditure in Li-S battery technology may be more than that of lithium-ion batteries.
Li-S batteries, on the other hand, simplify the bill of materials by using lithium and Sulphur as its principal components, negating the need for rare and pricey metals like cobalt and nickel. This simplicity decreases the cost of making Li-S batteries while also minimizing the negative social and environmental effects of the metals’ extraction. Li-S battery technology’s affordability and cost-effectiveness will become more apparent as it is developed and made more widely available.
Recycling and disposal of lithium-Sulphur batteries:
Li-S batteries must be properly recycled and disposed of in order to protect the environment. Li-S batteries need to be disposed of properly after their useful lives since they have a smaller environmental effect than lithium-ion batteries throughout manufacture.
Heavy metals and hazardous substances may be released into the environment as a result of the disposal of Li-S batteries, which might have detrimental long-term repercussions. To combat this, attempts are being made to create Li-S battery recycling procedures that can save priceless components like lithium, Sulphur, and 3D graphene. Li-S batteries’ negative environmental effects can be mitigated by recycling while also generating new business prospects. Realizing the full potential of this technology will depend on the creation of Li-S battery recycling techniques.
Conclusion: The Future of Lithium-Sulphur
Lithium-Sulphur (Li-S) batteries, which provide a better energy density, a lower weight, and a reduced carbon footprint, have the potential to transform the electric vehicle (EV) market. Low cycle life and manufacturing challenges are overcome by using three-dimensional (3D) graphene into the battery construction. The investment Stellantis made in Lyten underlines the company’s dedication to the advancement of Li-S EV battery technology.
The future of Li-S EV batteries appears bright despite the difficulties and restrictions faced by these batteries, including as safety issues, legal restrictions, cost effectiveness, and recycling and disposal issues. Li-S batteries have the potential to revolutionize the EV industry via further research and development, providing improved performance and a more sustainable transportation future.