The lithium-air batteries found in electric cars haven’t quite reached their full potential yet. They degrade rather quickly and waste a lot of energy input as heat, but scientists may have found a better way to power clean energy vehicles. Scientists have engineered a lithium-oxygen battery that offers the light-weight of a lithium-air battery without its drawbacks. Instead of pulling in oxygen from the air to trigger a chemical reaction, like a lithium-air battery would, this new design relies on nanoscale particles that hold both lithium and oxygen, keeping the oxygen inside as it changes states. This allows the battery to use five times less energy, which prevents the battery from undergoing the rapid changes that lead to a shorter lifespan. Best of all, it doesn’t require any expensive materials to make. A prototype of the battery is set to be built this year.
New electric car battery delivers lots of power with little weight
More of Today's Solutions
The Ocean Cleanup removed a record 25 million kilos of plastic in 2025 (and t...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where the scale of plastic pollution can feel overwhelming, 2025 brought a milestone worth celebrating: ...
Read MoreAncient nits aid uncovering of human ancestry
To uncover information about ancient genomes scientists have previously relied on fossils of bones and teeth. Alongside ethical issues, the problem with this is ...
Read MoreAlways late? Here’s 7 tips to curb the habit
We’ve all run late before, whether it was because of a missed alarm, couldn't find the right outfit, or getting stuck in traffic. It ...
Read MoreHow Uruguay achieved 98% renewable energy
During the 2000s, as global fossil fuel costs skyrocketed, Uruguay faced a tremendous issue. Uruguay, as a country heavily reliant on foreign oil, found ...
Read More
