[M. Dodge Thomas]

This is a major step toward the commercialization of a technology that has been "promising but frustrating" for more than a decade.

One reason this is significant: from an energy density standpoint 500 wh/kg (roughly twice that of current LI electric vehicle batteries) is considered to be the cross-over point at which battery-electric propulsion becomes economically competitive or even superior for large commercial aircraft.

Also, LA batteries can potentially have very short recharge times - "gassing up" an EV with a LA battery might take as little as 6-10 minutes.

[gunsequalfreedom]

But there is still a lithium shortage.

[stevio]

Trying to catch up on all the solar/battery/EV stuff. I am aware the battery is the biggest hurdle right now. Hope this is successful and practical.

[SpaceBar]

A quick google search shows that gasoline has an energy density of 12,200 Wh/kg, or about 24x the battery technology discussed here, and without any dead load other than an empty gas tank, and no dependence on chinese spodumene.

[Jim Robinson]

"...battery-electric propulsion becomes economically competitive or even superior for large commercial aircraft."

Hey, why not x-large rubber bands?

[BiglyCommentary]

There are so many of these battery breakthrough gamechangers in the works that some have just got to actually reach the market in the not too distant future.

1000 mile ev car that charges in 10 minutes will be a big gamechanger. For the typical person, that’s a charge once a week or longer.

[qam1]

Researchers have developed a lithium-air battery with an energy density of over 500Wh/kg

To put that in perspective 1 gallon of gasoline has an energy density of 11,620 Wh/kg

[Gaffer]

Air....my first question is VOLUME? What is the volumetric size of this compared to a similarly capacity-sized LI-ION battery?

[Jacquerie]

I love these “Free Beer Tomorrow” stories.

[Poser]

Sooner or later, batteries will reach a practical price/weight/power/charging rate ratio and will make electric vehicles the economic choice. Kids born today will never know the joy of kickstarting a panhead and taking a ride.

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

I keep reading about these amazing advances in battery technology, but somehow they never make it into products.