VOA科学技术2023--Could Solid-State Batteries Improve EVs?

Could Solid-State Batteries Improve EVs?

Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan is one of the world's largest carmakers. The company has faced criticism for being slow to develop electric vehicles (EVs).

This week, Toyota announced that it had reached a "technological² breakthrough" in the development of solid-state batteries. The company said it has overcome an issue with the durability³ of solid-state batteries. It said it is ready to move from research toward production.

The carmaker told investors⁴ it expects to sell vehicles powered by solid-state batteries by 2027 or 2028.

Solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries use thin layers of solid electrolytes that carry lithium ions between electrodes. The lithium-ion batteries currently used in EVs use liquid electrolytes.

Solid-state batteries have been used in small electronic devices like pacemakers and smartwatches. But mass-market production of the batteries for EVs has developed more slowly.

Solid-state batteries can hold more energy than liquid lithium-ion batteries. The gain could ease concerns about the limited distance an EV can travel.

A Reuters study in March found that 35 percent of Americans wanted EVs that can travel more than 800 kilometers between charges. That is a distance few currently offer.

Solid-state batteries also promise to reduce charging time. Toyota said it expects its solid-state battery would have a charging time of 10 minutes or less.

There is also the issue of safety. The electrolyte in liquid lithium-ion batteries presents a risk of fire or chemical leaks.

Companies working on solid-state batteries

Several carmakers and technology companies have tested solid-state batteries for EVs. But they have been unable so far to produce them in large amounts.

It is hard to design a solid electrolyte that is stable and still carries lithium ions between electrodes. Solid-state batteries do not last long and are much more costly⁵ to make than liquid lithium-ion batteries.

Other major carmakers have also noted⁶ their efforts in producing solid-state batteries.

Nissan Motor of Japan was the first automaker to launch a mass-market EV with its Leaf. It says it is developing solid-state batteries and is working toward mass production by 2028.

Honda is also developing solid-state batteries. But the Japanese carmaker has not said when the batteries might be ready for production.

QuantumScape is an American company backed by Bill Gates and Volkswagen of Germany. It has said it is working with six carmakers to develop the technology.

Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and TotalEnergies have an agreement to develop solid-state batteries with Taiwan-based battery maker¹ ProLogium Technology.

Ford⁷, BMW and Hyundai Motor have invested in Solid Power, which is producing sample batteries. Hyundai has said it plans to mass-produce solid-state batteries by 2030.

The EV market leader, Tesla, has not detailed⁸ solid-state battery development plans. The company said it has centered its efforts on the production of more powerful 4680 battery cells for its Cybertruck and other vehicles.

Words in This Story

breakthrough - n. a sudden, important success

battery - n. device placed inside a machine, such as watch and car, to supply electricity

durability - n. state of strength and good condition over a long period of time

electrolyte - n. a liquid (in a battery) through which electricity can pass

electrode - n. one of the two points through which electricity flows into or out

charge - n. an amount of electricity

stable - adj. not easily changed or moved

 

sample - n. a small amount that gives you information about something

1 maker   

n.制造者，制造商

参考例句：

• He is a trouble maker，You must be distant with him.他是个捣蛋鬼，你不要跟他在一起。
• A cabinet maker must be a master craftsman.家具木工必须是技艺高超的手艺人。

2 technological   

adj.技术的；工艺的

参考例句：

• A successful company must keep up with the pace of technological change.一家成功的公司必须得跟上技术变革的步伐。
• Today,the pace of life is increasing with technological advancements.当今， 随着科技进步，生活节奏不断增快。

3 durability   

n.经久性，耐用性

参考例句：

• Nylons have the virtue of durability.尼龙丝袜有耐穿的优点。

4 investors   

n.投资者，出资者( investor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a con man who bilked investors out of millions of dollars 诈取投资者几百万元的骗子
• a cash bonanza for investors 投资者的赚钱机会

5 costly   

adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的

参考例句：

• It must be very costly to keep up a house like this.维修这么一幢房子一定很昂贵。
• This dictionary is very useful,only it is a bit costly.这本词典很有用，左不过贵了些。

6 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

7 Ford   

n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过

参考例句：

• They were guarding the bridge,so we forded the river.他们驻守在那座桥上，所以我们只能涉水过河。
• If you decide to ford a stream,be extremely careful.如果已决定要涉过小溪，必须极度小心。

8 detailed   

adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的

参考例句：

• He had made a detailed study of the terrain.他对地形作了缜密的研究。
• A detailed list of our publications is available on request.我们的出版物有一份详细的目录备索。