Research is underway in Canada to develop new, safer batteries for electric mobility.
At the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS), an association of various universities in the Canadian province of British Columbia, research has been underway for several months to develop an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable liquids. In the event of an accident or improper use, the batteries can ignite and produce toxic fumes. A solid-state battery is now to be developed through the use of tellurium and sulfur, according to a press release from the institute. This would be safer to use. The high electrical conductivity of the technology metal tellurium would also enable faster charging and discharging of the battery as well as a greater range, according to project leader Jian Liu. This could further increase the acceptance of electric mobility, comments PICS Deputy Director Bentley Allen. The research project is scheduled to run for three years.
Photo: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions