3 EV Charging Innovations That Could Transform the Industry

Several innovations are expected to help revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) industry over the coming decade. Following years of investment in the sector, automakers expect to deliver innovative new EV models that respond to consumer needs and encourage greater uptake. 

Solid-State Batteries 

Several automakers and startups have been racing to produce a reliable solid-state battery to use in new EV models, with the expectation that it will vastly improve performance and safety. At present, most companies worldwide use lithium-ion batteries to power their EVs, which can be charged through a mains electric connection. They work by using a liquid electrolyte solution that allows lithium ions to move around to power the battery.

In contrast, solid-state batteries use a solid – rather than liquid – electrolyte. If researchers can perfect this type of battery, it would allow automakers to get rid of the heavy separator component required to keep the positive electrode from coming into contact with the negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries, making them lighter.

Solid-state batteries are generally viewed as safer than conventional EV batteries as they do not require flammable liquid for their power, which reduces the risk of fire. They are also expected to outperform lithium-ion batteries, giving EVs a longer range. However, experts are concerned that their lifespan may be shorter, as they can eventually form cracks and need replacing. The cost of production is also higher, which could increase the end price of the EV.

Toyota is among a few automakers that have long been investing in the development of solid-state batteries, since 2006. The major automaker and Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu this year announced that they hope to develop and manufacture a solid-state electrolyte to bring to market by 2028. Meanwhile, in January, Volkswagen said it had conducted successful testing on a QuantumScape-developed solid-state battery, achieving over 1,000 charging cycles and maintaining 95 percent of the battery’s capacity.

Wireless Charging 

Another technology that’s attracting investor attention is wireless charging. Just like the charging technology that has become available for many electronics, automakers are looking to ditch the cables required to charge EV batteries. Installing roads with wireless charging capabilities could significantly improve the EVs’ range, which has been a major gripe for consumers looking to make the shift from fossil fuel-powered cars to electric ones.

In January, the first wireless electric road in the U.S. was opened in Detroit, allowing EVs to charge wirelessly as they move along the road. While this is an impressive achievement, the high cost of almost $2 million per 1.6 km will make it prohibitively expensive to develop in most places. The pilot phase of the project, from wireless charging technology firm Electreon, saw a 400-metre stretch of road fitted with wireless charging technology, using electromagnetic coils under the surface that are connected to Detroit’s power grid. The coils produce an electromagnetic field slightly above the road, which moves energy to a receiver attached to an EV battery through an ‘inductive charging’ process, in much the same way as wireless charging works for mobile phones.

Stefan Tongur, vice president of business development at Electreon, stated, “The evolution of charging will be going from cord to wireless.” He added, “And we will have roads that can charge vehicles while they drive – and where they park.” Electreon is currently piloting wireless charging technology at several locations across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

While the technology shows significant promise, many automakers are reluctant to fit their EVs with wireless charging receivers as the charging infrastructure is not yet in place to make it financially viable. Michael Weismiller, the programme manager for electrification research and development in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, explained, “If I was a car manufacturer, I’d probably be reluctant to put it on a vehicle today just because there’s not any wireless chargers out there… You really have to see the infrastructure and the vehicles get deployed at the same time for it to ultimately make sense.”

Solar Power Paint

Researchers have also been looking for innovative ways to give EVs a power boost without relying on external chargers. This includes options such as fitting solar panels to the roof of the vehicle and painting cars with “solar paint”.

Mercedes-Benz is currently developing a paint that can produce electricity when applied to an EV. The ‘solar paint’ is only 5 micrometres thick and weighs just 50 grammes a square metre. It contains no rare earth materials nor silicon and is produced using non-toxic ingredients that are simple to recycle, according to the company. Mercedes says that with an 11-square-metre surface area, roughly that available on a mid-sized SUV, the paint could generate enough energy to power an EV for up to 12,000 kilometres of driving a year under optimal conditions. The energy produced can be used to power the car’s motor directly or recharge its battery.