What EV Batteries Can Expect in 2024

The days of solid state batteries might not be far off. Engineers should keep an eye out for these battery developments and innovations in the upcoming year. These days, few technologies are as vital and dynamic as batteries. The need for batteries has increased dramatically, and their development is happening at an astonishingly fast rate. This demand is fueled by the pressing need for green energy solutions, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and power grid utility sectors.In 2024, that development will pick up even more speed.

Here are some of the most exciting developments in battery technology and trends for the upcoming year.

Battery technology will be driven by more than just the EV business.

As of right now and until 2024, the electric vehicle (EV) industry is the primary driver behind the rapid growth of batteries.
Grid-scale battery storage systems, on the other hand, are a more recent actor that is beginning to have a big influence on battery technology going forward (BSS). BSSs will become more and more integrated with EVs as the most promising application for second-life batteries and as catalysts for battery development.

Although there may be competition, lithium-ion batteries will continue to dominate the market.

As of 2024, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries continue to be the most widely used battery technology. Researchers have been working to develop technology that is more affordable and performs better. However, the limited availability of key materials, such as lithium and cobalt, means the pressure is on to develop alternative battery chemistries. Researchers are rising to the challenge and will continue to do so in 2024.

Na-ion batteries are a prime example of an alternative chemistry. Even though sodium-ion batteries were found in the 1980s, it wasn’t until recently that their full potential became clear. Their construction is akin to that of lithium-ion batteries, however the primary chemical component is sodium rather than lithium. Compared to Li-ion batteries, sodium is much less expensive, readily available, and environmentally benign. Even though there are still a few major issues with Na-ion batteries, major players in the battery industry, like Sweden’s Northvolt and China’s CATL, have expressed interest in the technology, suggesting that it may soon find broad commercial application.

There will be more fighting between NMC and LFP cathodes.

In 2024, there will still be two major lithium-ion cathode chemistries vying for supremacy. In the past, China has dominated the market for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, whereas the West has historically preferred nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries.While NMC cathodes are still used in most EVs marketed in the West today, LFP is beginning to emerge as a serious competitor. While Ford and Volkswagen have stated that they are thinking about releasing EV vehicles using LFP batteries, Tesla is already employing LFP batteries to some extent.

Anticipate remarkable developments in solid-state batteries.

The majority of lithium-ion batteries in use today employ liquid electrolytes, but significant new advancements in the search for solid-state batteries could be made by 2024. In many respects, switching from a liquid electrolyte to a solid ceramic electrolyte would be a phase change that would enable batteries with increased energy density, quicker charging times, and enhanced safety.

Quantumscape, a corporation located in California, is one that is trying to confirm this notion. A solid-state battery with a “anodeless architecture and proprietary solid ceramic separator” that is patented by Quantumscape, a firm founded in 2010, is said to be more affordable to produce, faster to charge, and more durable than traditional Li-ion batteries. In addition to collaborating with the German manufacturer Volkswagen, Quantumscape recently announced that it is developing “an important vehicle proof of concept” for its commercial solid-state cells in collaboration with an undisclosed automotive launch customer. Even while solid-state EVs won’t likely be available until at least next year, automakers will undoubtedly be monitoring the technology by 2024.

Recycling batteries will become more heated.

An increasing number of EV batteries are reaching the end of their useful lives as the EV market develops. As a result, there’s growing curiosity about what to do with each of them. In 2024, battery recycling will be a hot concern for manufacturers, academics, and legislators.

Concerns about the supply of essential materials and the effects of used batteries on the environment are what are driving the increased interest in battery recycling. End-of-life battery recycling offers an opportunity to reuse important materials like lithium while mitigating that impact. But recycling batteries is a difficult task, and scientists are constantly trying to improve the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

VinFast & Li-Cycle launch battery recycling partnership

Still, the battery recycling industry is beginning to heat up. Numerous businesses have set up battery recycling plants across the globe, including in China, Europe, the United States, and Canada. Though progress is being made, there are currently no rules, standards, or recommendations for recycling batteries. A new battery and waste battery regulation with recycling objectives was recently announced by the European Union. Anticipate a significant increase in interest in creating and standardizing the recycling process by 2024.

Batteries will have a historic year in 2024.

Batteries are a crucial component of the energy infrastructure of the future, as evidenced by the demand for greener, more sustainable energy sources. Governments, businesses, and academics are working hard to advance this vital technology while also ensuring its sustainability and safety. All signs point to a positive new year, with engineers deserving of most of the credit.

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