In Automotive School? How Stable Battery Polymers Will Enable Faster EV Charging
The EV charging space is rapidly evolving, with many technological breakthroughs occurring. These breakthroughs help the batteries last longer, charge faster, and become more durable. However, one research team in Canada has found that certain components are decreasing the possible performance of batteries. But, they have also provided solutions to the problem, with several EV manufacturers interested in their solution.
If you are interested in learning more about how stable battery polymers are enabling EVs to charge faster, continue reading!
What Are Battery Polymers?
Battery polymers are rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries. During automotive school, you will learn about the different battery types that are utilized in EVs, including lithium-ion polymer batteries. In commercially available batteries, this polymer is a type of lithium in gel or liquid form. Inside the lithium liquid or gel are two different types of metal. One is the positive electrode, and the other is the negative electrode. When you connect the battery to what needs to be powered, electrons will move through the connecting cables to provide power. They will return to the battery to complete a flow cycle. However, in certain instances, a battery will suffer from self-discharge.
What Is Self-Discharge and How Is It Caused?
We have all suffered instances where we turn a device off, leave it for a while, then turn it back on, only to see it has lost battery charge. This is called self-discharge. Researchers from Dalhousie University, Halifax, believe that self-discharge occurs due to a manufacturing error that has not been picked up on. The tape used to hold lithium-ion polymer batteries together is called dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). DMT has a similar molecular structure to the plastic that is used to make food containers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET tape is what has been attributed to being one of the major contributors to self-discharge by the research team. To fix this self-discharging issue, the researchers have suggested that other plastic compounds are used. One such suggestion is polypropylene. While this will be more expensive, if these new materials are used, they will help create a stable battery polymer which removes self-discharge.
How Stable Battery Polymers Will Enable Faster EV Charging
Removing self-discharge will help batteries charge faster because there will be overall more charge left in a lithium-ion polymer battery after being off for some time. According to Micheal Metzger, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, several automotive companies have shown interest in their solution. Automobile batteries will benefit immensely from this proposed adoption of different battery construction materials. EVs are not always being driven and can sometimes be stationary for long periods. Still having 100% battery charge after the EV was charged before being stationary will greatly benefit many EV owners. The same applies if the vehicle has been driven somewhere and left for the day. The influence that these changes will have can be seen even in the hybrid and EV mechanic sectors.
How This Impacts You After Automotive School
During hybrid and electrical mechanic training, you learn about EV and hybrid charging, and battery technology, amongst several other technological aspects. You will also learn how an EV battery system works as different EVs may use different battery types. The advancement of stable battery polymers means that EVs have better battery performance and longevity. When conducting a service, you can monitor the EV battery to see if it suffers from self-discharge and how significantly.
Are you interested in attending our auto mechanic school?
Contact ATC Surrey to learn more about what our program offers.
