As EV-haters continually remind us, the liquid electrolytes utilized in present EV batteries can catch hearth and even explode in emergency conditions equivalent to a charging fault or a crash, or within the case of a faulty cell. Stable-state cells are anticipated to be a lot safer, however they’re simply starting to seem in restricted numbers of manufacturing automobiles.
South 8 Applied sciences has developed what seems to be an alternate. The corporate’s Arctic LiGas 18650 cell, launched on the current Superior Automotive Battery Convention in San Diego, replaces the poisonous and flammable liquid electrolyte with a patented “liquefied fuel electrolyte.”
South 8 says LiGas reduces hearth dangers, and in addition presents a wider vary of working temperatures: from -60 to +60° C. The San Diego-based firm is at present delivery Arctic LiGas cells to pick out clients for deployments in varied functions together with protection, EVs, stationary storage and battery-powered industrial tools. Arctic is the primary in a household of lithium-ion battery cell codecs and chemistries that South 8 plans to introduce.
“LiGas addresses critical lithium-ion ache factors: hearth threat and depleted power at low temperatures,” mentioned South 8 CEO Tom Stepien. “Arctic LiGas cells remedy these ‘hearth and ice’ issues by minimizing thermal propagation with a non-toxic mix of gases that dissipate harmlessly when punctured or overheated. Arctic cells have the trade’s lowest working temperature, offering power right down to minus 60° C (-76° F). We’re excited to assist our clients safely and effectively function in new environments and functions.”
Supply: South 8 Applied sciences