Batteries are at the heart of the transition to electric vehicles. A new technology could be a game changer by improving range while reducing the ecological impact. A European project has developed more efficient and less polluting batteries, ready for large-scale production.
The electrification of transport is progressing rapidly, but batteries remain a major challenge. Their autonomy, their cost and their environmental impact condition the adoption of electric vehicles. Their recycling is also a key issue: the materials used, such as lithium and cobalt, are rare and expensive to extract. New solutions must make it possible to improve their efficiency while reducing their ecological footprint.
The SeNSE project, funded by the European Union, has resulted in promising advances. After four years of research and a budget of 10 million euros, scientists have developed a higher-performance lithium-ion battery. It significantly reduces the use of cobalt, a rare and expensive metal, the extraction of which poses serious ethical and environmental problems. To limit this dependence, the company has replaced part of this material with silicon in the cathode, while improving the density energy efficiency of the latter.
Europe designs cobalt-free and more durable batteries for electric cars
Researchers also worked on the electrolyte, the liquid that allows the movement of ions in the battery. Conventional solutions are flammable, which can pose risks if they overheat. The SeNSE project has made it possible to reduce this without compromising conductivity, making it safer. An advanced thermal management system has also been integrated. Sensors monitor its temperature in real time and adjust the charging speed to avoid overheating to ensure better durability.
Despite these advances, the transition to industrial production remains a challenge. The prototypes built are functional, but their mass production requires significant investments. Some partner companies, such as Northvolt and Huntsman, are already working on the industrialization of these innovations. Other European projects, such as IntelLiGent, are continuing this research to develop high-voltage batteries without cobalt. These advances could allow Europe to compete with Asian and American giants in this market.
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