Compliments of the movie, "Knight and Day"...
Posted on 08/19/2025 12:50:08 PM PDT by Red Badger
A groundbreaking study published in Nature has revealed that scientists at Tianjin University in China have developed a lithium metal battery (LMB) with an energy density that is twice as powerful as Tesla’s most advanced battery. The new battery can store over 600 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), a significant leap from Tesla’s top-tier battery at 300 Wh/kg. This breakthrough is expected to impact electric vehicles (EVs) and a range of applications, including drones, potentially reducing concerns about range limitations and making EVs lighter and more efficient.
The development of this high-energy-density battery represents a huge advancement in the field of energy storage, which has been a critical barrier to improving the performance and adoption of electric vehicles. Researchers at Tianjin University have harnessed a novel approach to lithium metal battery technology, overcoming limitations inherent in traditional battery designs. The new battery’s energy density is not only far superior to Tesla’s but also surpasses expectations set by China’s “Made in China 2025” initiative for electric vehicle batteries, which had set a target of 400 Wh/kg.
Breaking Through the Lithium Metal Battery Barrier
Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have long been considered a promising next-generation technology due to their higher theoretical energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, LMBs have faced significant challenges when it comes to practical implementation. One major hurdle is the instability of lithium ions during the charging and discharging process, which can cause performance degradation, safety risks, and a shortened battery life.
Researchers at Tianjin University tackled these problems by reimagining the electrolyte design used in LMBs. Traditional electrolytes rely on ordered solvation structures, which help stabilize lithium ions but also limit their ability to move freely during charging and discharging. These solvation structures create barriers that slow down the ion transport, reducing the overall performance of the battery. As the study authors explained: “The practical applications of LMBs are constrained by current electrolyte designs that inherently rely on dominant solvation structures.”
By developing a “delocalized electrolyte” with a more disordered, fluid microenvironment for the lithium ions, the researchers were able to overcome these barriers. This new design allows for better ion transport, enhanced stability, and increased energy density. As a result, the battery delivers unprecedented performance with an energy density of 604.2 Wh/kg, while maintaining stable cycling over 100 charge-discharge cycles.
A Game-Changer For Electric Vehicles and Drones
The implications of this breakthrough extend far beyond the realm of electric vehicles. For electric vehicles, the new battery could effectively reduce range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station—a concern that has plagued potential EV buyers. With an energy density twice that of Tesla’s most advanced battery, electric vehicles could go much further on a single charge. Furthermore, the reduced weight and increased energy density could lower manufacturing costs and improve the overall efficiency of EVs, making them more attractive to consumers.
The battery’s potential for drone applications is also significant. With an energy density that allows for longer flight times, drones powered by this technology could see a dramatic increase in operational endurance, opening up new possibilities for both commercial and recreational use. As the researchers noted, “We have already deployed the new technology for the production of high-energy lithium metal batteries for drones.” This could revolutionize industries such as logistics, agriculture, and surveillance, where drone endurance is a key limitation.
Overcoming Technological Barriers To Battery Development
Despite the promise shown by this lithium metal battery, the road to widespread adoption is not without challenges. One of the major obstacles is scaling up production while maintaining the quality and consistency of the battery’s performance. Lithium metal batteries are known to be more sensitive to manufacturing imperfections than conventional lithium-ion batteries, which could present difficulties in mass production.
Additionally, while the new electrolyte design has shown impressive results in laboratory conditions, it will be crucial to test the battery’s performance in real-world applications. Factors such as temperature variation, humidity, and mechanical stress could all affect the battery’s longevity and performance. Nevertheless, the success of the Tianjin University team’s research provides a strong foundation for further advancements in this field.
China’s Ambitions to Lead in Electric Vehicle Innovation
This battery breakthrough is also a clear signal of China’s growing leadership in electric vehicle and battery technology. With the Chinese government’s ambitious goals outlined in the “Made in China 2025” initiative, the country is poised to become a dominant player in the global EV market. The 600 Wh/kg battery not only meets but exceeds the targets set for battery energy density under the plan, signaling that China could soon be home to the world’s most advanced electric vehicle technology.
As other global leaders in the EV market, like Tesla and BYD, continue to innovate, China’s focus on enhancing energy density through cutting-edge research positions the country as a key competitor. The breakthrough in lithium metal battery technology could give Chinese companies a significant advantage in the race to develop the next-generation electric vehicles that will shape the future of transportation.
VIDEO AT LINK...................
I’ve learned to utterly trust everything I see in the Daily Galaxy! 👍
Still won’t beat Nuclear Diamond Batteries
Burns twice as hot when it spontaneously combusts.
Especially from China!.......................
And it’ll blow up twice as fast and twice the energy.
Compliments of the movie, "Knight and Day"...
Yeah.
Which natonn did they steal it from? If it exists.
So much of Chinese “research” ends up being retracted, I’d say wait and see it in action, and at useful scale.
Cost?
Charge time?
How often do they spontaneously combust?
Curious people want to know.
Too bad it’s tariffed out of the US market. China can sell it to India.
And the cost is?
Every week it’s the same thing, so new game changer battery, then they never seem to appear in mass production. The one problem they can’t overcome is the lack of grid infrastructure to charge all these EVs.
Also, do not taunt happy fun battery.
New and improved 80mph rocket stove coming to your local parking garage
It won't matter. Tesla is supposed to start using their new aluminum ion batteries in some of their 2026 models. These new batteries hold almost 5 times the charge, weigh a fraction as much, fully charge in 10 minutes, have a service life of 40 years, and cost less than half of today's lithium ion batteries. And, the fire hazard is almost non-existent. Elon wants to market a car with these batteries in the 15k price range.
“while maintaining stable cycling over 100 charge-discharge cycles. “
Glad to know that you are guaranteed 100 charges on your new EV.
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