Electric Vehicle Batteries: Smaller, Longer-Lasting, and More Sustainable
Phoenix researchers are pioneering advancements in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, aiming too substantially increase vehicle autonomy and reduce battery size through innovative material science and bright design.
The quest for more efficient and sustainable electric vehicles hinges on improving battery performance.Researchers in Phoenix are actively pursuing this goal by focusing on two key areas: increasing the energy density of batteries and reducing their physical size. As Dr. Suf explains,the development of “future generation batteries,with a higher energy density” is paramount. This means that a smaller battery could store more energy, enabling EVs to travel longer distances on a single charge.
A promising strategy involves replacing graphite, a common material in current batteries, with silicon. silicon, positioned between metals and non-metals, offers the potential for greater energy storage. However, it’s widespread adoption in commercial batteries has been hindered by its instability and significant volume expansion (up to 300%) during charging and discharging cycles. To overcome this, researchers are working on developing silicon-based batteries that can withstand these drastic volume changes or possess self-healing capabilities.
In March 2025, a new generation of sensor and trigger prototypes was developed and delivered to partners for rigorous testing of flexible, lightweight lithium battery cells. While integrating sensors into batteries provides valuable data on their health, it also increases costs. Consequently,the research team is prioritizing technologies that offer significant benefits to justify the added expense for electric vehicles.
Ultimately, these advancements are expected to lead to EVs with extended lifespans and greater autonomy, powered by batteries that are safer, more compact, and require fewer resources. Furthermore, by prolonging battery life, the carbon footprint associated with electric vehicles will be reduced, benefiting both consumers and the surroundings. Dr.ziegler highlights the captivating nature of this work, stating, “All this involves the meeting of the elements in a whole.”
this research was funded by the EU Horizon Program. The views expressed by the interviewed individuals do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the European Commission. This article was originally published in Horizon EU research and innovation magazine.