Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have made significant progress in developing a structural battery that could dramatically reduce the weight and energy consumption of vehicles and electronic devices.
The structural battery, made of carbon fiber composite, functions as both a power source and a load-bearing component, making it ideal for a variety of purposes. “We have managed to create a battery from carbon fiber composite that is as stiff as aluminum and energy dense enough to be used commercially. Like a human skeleton, the battery performs several functions at the same time,” says Richa Chaudhary, lead author of a paper recently published was published in Advanced materials.
The battery offers an energy density of 30 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), which is lower than standard lithium-ion batteries but allows a significant reduction in overall weight.
A huge boost for electric cars
Professor Leif Asp, who leads the research, explained that electric cars using this battery could greatly increase driving range. “Investing in light and energy-efficient vehicles is self-evident if we want to save energy and think about future generations,” says Asp. “We have made calculations with electric cars showing that they could run up to 70 percent longer than they do now if they had competing structural batteries.”
The structural battery also has improved stiffness, now reaching 70 gigapascals (GPa), allowing it to carry loads as effectively as aluminum, while being much lighter. Asp stated: “In terms of multi-function properties, the new battery is twice as good as its predecessor – and actually the best ever made in the world.”
Although the technology is still in development, Sinonus AB, a spin-off of Chalmers Ventures, is working to bring this innovation to market. Asp predicts that lightweight laptops, mobile phones and electric vehicle components will be among the first products to benefit from the structural battery.