While electric cars can take some strain off the environment, their limited charging infrastructure and range limitations are something of an Achilles’ heel in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The good news is that help may be on the horizon. Scientists are working to develop liquid, or so-called flow batteries for electric cars that could be refueled in minutes through a vast network of converted gas stations. Just like lithium-ion batteries in most electric vehicles on the road today, flow batteries release energy through chemical reactions between the ends of the battery and a substance known as electrolyte. Compared to conventional batteries where the electrolyte requires a recharge once it’s depleted, the electrolyte in a flow battery can be pumped from a tank through the battery; when it’s depleted, it can simply be swapped out for a fresh batch. The battery shift could potentially make EVs more attractive to drivers who are wary of long charging times.
Flow batteries could solve range anxiety in the EV industry
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