For more than a century, the internal combustion engine has been the undisputed king of the automotive industry. But today, that reign is being challenged by a quiet revolution: batteries. And we're not just talking about lithium batteries, but also innovations like sodium and solid-state batteries, which are taking electric cars to a level of performance, safety, and sustainability that many couldn't have imagined just a few years ago.
Companies like CATL and BYD are leading the way with sodium batteries that offer ranges of up to 500 km, more than 10,000 charge cycles, and significantly reduced recharge times. These batteries are not only cheaper to produce, but they are also safer and less dependent on critical materials like lithium. For example, CATL's Naxtra battery has achieved an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, and can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, even at extreme temperatures of -30°C.
Volkswagen, in collaboration with QuantumScape in the USA, is developing solid-state batteries that promise to double the energy density of current lithium batteries, eliminating the use of cobalt and offering a lifespan of more than 15 years. These batteries not only increase range but also improve safety and reduce charging times. Tests have shown that these batteries retain 95% of their capacity after more than 300,000 miles.
Pulsetrain, a German startup, has developed a battery management system that integrates the charging electronics, inverter, and battery management system into a single unit. This modular approach not only reduces the cost and size of the system, but also extends battery life by up to 80%. The company has raised €6.1 million to accelerate the industrialization of its technology.
Despite attempts by some sectors to maintain the status quo, the reality is that the transition to electric mobility is unstoppable. Countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany are already leading the way with incentive policies, charging infrastructure, and ambitious emissions targets.
The combination of advances in sodium and solid-state batteries and intelligent management systems is bringing electric cars into a new era of efficiency, safety, and affordability. With increased investment in research and development, we are likely to see mass adoption of electric vehicles in the next decade. The myth of the superiority of the combustion engine is being replaced by the reality of cleaner and more efficient mobility.
And so we could go on. Because, despite Mr. Trump and all those interested in maintaining the fossil fuel business, reality prevails, and very soon electric cars will be the most sensible option for sustainability, price, and efficiency.
The transition to electric mobility is not only possible, but inevitable. It's time to leave the myths behind and embrace the future of the automotive industry.
Is there still a long way to go? YES. But it will happen very quickly, and more than a few will be left out of this revolution, which they haven't seen or haven't wanted to see.
Time always puts everyone in their place.
You can watch a video about batteries at: https://youtu.be/DQ2pVZ0h-wQ
And you can see many others on YouTube
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