Batteries’ next challenges: fast charging, vehicle-to-grid, long duration, second life

Li-ion battery storage costs continue to fall dramatically. But for batteries to fulfil their potential, particularly for grid storage, developers need to focus on fast charging, electric vehicle-to-grid capability, long duration storage and second-life batteries, explains Madeline Tyson at Rocky Mountain Institute. She runs through the different types of Li-ion batteries, their strengths and weaknesses, how they can be harnessed to address these challenges, and names some of the companies in pursuit of these goals. Going beyond pure technological advances, Tyson says a much more robust battery supply chain, increasingly standardised, will help accelerate progress. And, as is so often the case, new policies and support are needed to loosen any bottlenecks. For example, EV battery providers have little incentive (a small reimbursement from the grid) to optimise battery design for vehicle-to-grid storage if it reduces the car’s mobility. Technology alone can’t solve everything.

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Article published on energypost.eu