Former Tesla Engineer Says Solid State Batteries That Some Automakers Are Chasing Are A Pipedream

The whole world currently bets solid-state batteries will be a revolution in energy storage. Some bet even their own money on that, such as Volkswagen and Bill Gates are doing with QuantumScape. But there’s a man that begs to disagree: Gene Berdichevsky. If you are not familiar with the name, he was the engineer in charge of the Roadster battery pack. After leaving Tesla, he started Sila Nanotechnologies and said SSBs are a “false hope.”
Read Article

scenicbyway12 - 9/11/2020 12:09:56 PM

+3 Boost

First of all new battery technology is what will revolutionize the electric car market.

I am skeptical of CEO of a lithium/ion battery company berating newer technologies while pushing his own tech. VW is notorious for not due diligence but I am still very skeptical.

skytop - 9/11/2020 12:33:29 PM

0 Boost

IBM Research is reshaping the scene of sustainable batteries

How about a new sustainable battery solution made predominantly from saltwater that could replace lithium-ion batteries? Yes, that is exactly what IBM Research‘s Battery Lab is currently in the process of testing and further developing. These new batteries are free of any heavy metals.

Combining materials science, molecular chemistry, electrical engineering, advanced battery lab equipment, and computer simulation, the Battery Lab draws on IBM Research’s history of advancing materials science.

MBCLS07 - 9/11/2020 4:06:04 PM

0 Boost

I'm confident the micro cracking issue will be solved. There are several possible paths to remedy to this issue. And the changes in manufacturing infrastructure issue he cites isn't a formidable barrier. Billions will continue to be invested in new battery technology and breakthroughs, though difficult, will be made. ICE vehicles will be around for the near future, but I'd be hard pressed to buy that old technology. Of course, if you're someone who prefers to lease vehicles then sure, go ICE if you prefer.

MDarringer - 9/11/2020 4:54:27 PM

+1 Boost

Sustainable, free-range batteries are the way forward.