The great thing about solid electrolytes is that they allow for the integration of different active materials (such as a lithium metal anode) and cell architectures (such as bipolar arrangements), making for a higher energy density at cell and/or battery-pack level. In parallel with these all-solid-state batteries, developments such as “smart” battery cells with sensors will increase the amount of usable energy in the battery pack even further.
In this article, Professor Philippe Vereecken (imec, KU Leuven, EnergyVille) highlights the importance of these new technologies for future electric vehicles (EVs).