Industry needs for practical lithium-metal battery designs in electric vehicles

Abstract

Lithium-metal battery (LMB) research and development has been ongoing for six decades across academia, industry and national laboratories. Despite this extensive effort, commercial LMBs have yet to displace, or offer a ready alternative to, lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). Here we explore some of the most critical industry needs that will have to be resolved to advance practical LMB designs for implementation in EVs. We begin our exploration with a brief overview of LMBs, then consider the following needs: energy density, anode thickness and cathode loading, electrolyte formulation and gas generation, electrolyte injection amount, cathode oxygen release, cell pressure control, cell format, cell manufacturing quality checks and battery modelling. We conclude with generic cell design recommendations for future LMB EV applications. Despite extensive research, lithium-metal batteries have not yet replaced lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The authors explore critical industry needs for advancing lithium-metal battery designs for electric vehicles and conclude with cell design recommendations.