Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed the world's strongest battery, which has the potential to increase electric vehicle (EV) range by up to 70%.

This breakthrough in structural battery technology represents a significant step toward creating lighter and more efficient vehicles and devices.

Mercedes-Benz is actively developing Factorial's first-generation solid-state battery technology, known as FEST, following a substantial $200 million investment made in 2022.

Despite the promising advancements, challenges remain in scaling up production for widespread use, although the commercial potential is enormous.

A key focus of ongoing lithium-ion battery research is to replace cobalt, which is not only expensive but also raises serious environmental and human rights concerns due to child labor practices in mining.

The study highlights that reducing cobalt content can lower costs but may also worsen charge capacity, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions.

An international research team led by the University of Colorado Boulder has identified the mechanisms behind battery degradation, which is crucial for improving lithium-ion battery performance and durability.

Understanding battery degradation will guide future battery chemistry and design, as emphasized by Professor Michael Toney, a key figure in the research.

The research was funded by the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE) program, indicating a significant investment in sustainable technology development.

Recent advancements in supercapacitors using nanocarbon materials have improved performance, but high costs remain a barrier for large-scale production.

The new solid-state battery technology separates the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits, utilizing sulfide solid-state electrolytes that offer performance comparable to liquid electrolytes.

Mercedes-Benz finds itself in a competitive landscape with other automakers like Nissan and Toyota in the race for solid-state battery advancements, raising concerns about the timing of these developments.