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EV of The Future

In this episode - The EV of the Future . . .

Have you noticed the number of electric vehicles currently on the market today? But realistically, the electric vehicle (EV) landscape is still in its early stages. According to a recent article in the How-To Geek newsletter, electric vehicles will soon be faster, have extended ranges, and wireless charging capabilities.

For those who follow the EV market, we’ve witnessed substantial advancements in electric car technology, specifically performance and range, in recent years. Yet, major automakers such as Tesla and Ford have only scratched the surface, with game-changing features and innovations on the horizon. Here's a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Imagine an electric car that can go over 700 miles on one charge and can recharge in under 10 minutes, just as fast as filling up at the gas station. This is what everyone is hoping for. Solid-state batteries could make it happen!

Solid-state EV batteries are often regarded as the holy grail of electric vehicle technology, but their production has posed challenges. Solid-state batteries employ a solid material, unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. This makes them lighter and imparts enhanced stability, an extended lifespan, and quicker charging capabilities. By eliminating the flammable liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries have fewer components, making them a much safer option. Although mass production remains a hurdle, recent advancements suggest that EVs equipped with this battery technology are on the horizon.

Toyota, for instance, has achieved milestones in solid-state EV battery production, claiming a battery pack that could provide a range of 745 miles on a single charge. Toyota aims for a 2025 release. Similar breakthroughs are being seen with China's CATL technology and Samsung's SDI.

Automakers are currently researching the possibility of using wireless charging technology for electric vehicles, similar to the technology used in smartphones and watches but on a larger scale. Although this technology is expensive and requires significant electromagnetic fields, it could potentially eliminate the need for charging cables and adapters. Wireless charging could be integrated into roads, stoplights, and other areas, ensuring continuous charging without downtime. While this presents logistical challenges, Japan's "smart city" plans to test EV wireless charging on city streets soon.

The technologies that can improve the electric vehicle industry may take a decade or more to develop. However, they can significantly change how we perceive electric vehicles. Despite the current concern about EV range, the advancements in charging infrastructure and improvements in electric motors and drivetrain components will likely eliminate range anxiety. 

As the electric vehicle industry advances, breakthroughs in electric systems, efficient motors, solid-state batteries, wireless charging, and even solar charging will collectively make range considerations a thing of the past.

In the future, vehicles may operate with minimal input from owners, providing extended range capabilities and charging wirelessly while parked at home. This future may not be a reality yet, but it could be closer than we think.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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Comments

Don Hanley said…
Thanks Patrick for keeping us up to date on this important issue.
November 11, 2023 at 10:26 AM
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