“Revolutionizing electric vehicles: next-gen solid-state batteries could double driving range.
In a ground-breaking advancement, a research team, including Kyoto University and Toyota Motor Corporation, has unveiled a new solid-state battery technology that promises to significantly enhance the performance of electric vehicles (EVs) by potentially doubling their driving range by 2035.
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A leap in battery technology
Traditional batteries function through ions moving back and forth between positive and negative electrodes. Typically, lithium-ion batteries can release only one electron per atom, but the newly developed “copper nitride” positive electrode material allows for the extraction of three electrons per nitrogen atom. This breakthrough triples the capacity per volume compared to current lithium-ion batteries and doubles the capacity by weight.
The science of copper nitride
The key to this innovative advancement is the utilization of nitrogen within the electrode’s reaction with fluoride ions. This interaction enables the extraction of multiple electrons from each atom of nitrogen, significantly increasing both the storage capacity and energy density of the batteries. Professor Yoshiharu Uchimoto of Kyoto University points out the novelty of using negative ions such as nitrogen in battery reactions, highlighting its scientific fascination.
Solid-state batteries: a new era
This development is part of the broader shift towards solid-state batteries, which are known for their improved performance over conventional lithium-ion options. The complete assembly of these batteries requires not just the innovative positive electrode but also a new type of negative electrode and a solid electrolyte. Research efforts are ongoing to optimize these components for future applications.
Implications for electric vehicles
The implications of this technology are profound for the electric vehicle industry. The use of these new solid-state batteries could increase the driving range of EVs from an average of 375 miles to about 750 miles on a single charge. This enhancement addresses one of the major limitations of current EV technology—range anxiety—and could significantly boost consumer adoption of electric vehicles.
Collaborative research and development
The research was a collaborative effort involving multiple prestigious institutions, including Tokyo University, Hyogo University, Tohoku University, and Tokyo University of Science, in addition to Kyoto University and Toyota. The findings were published in the respected Journal of the American Chemical Society, marking a significant milestone in battery technology research.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to commercialize this technology for use in electric vehicles by 2035. As development progresses, the potential for these batteries to transform the electric vehicle market is immense, promising a future where EVs can drive longer distances with shorter charging times, making them more practical for everyday use and long-distance travel.
This new solid-state battery technology not only signifies a major leap forward in energy storage solutions but also marks a significant step towards sustainable and efficient electric vehicle technology that could revolutionize the automotive industry.
Source: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 7, 5649–5657
