Designing fast-charging batteries for the future of transportation
The 2023 Innovation Summit brought together experts to discuss the future of transportation, with a focus on electric and autonomous vehicles, sustainable aeronautics, clean energy, and urban planning. They explored ways to reimagine transportation for a better tomorrow.
Professor Yverick Rangom is an expert in the field of batteries for Electric Vehicles (EVs), specifically focusing on battery longevity under the conditions of repeated fast charging and low maintenance required by EV applications. His research centers on developing transportation-grade Li-ion batteries that can compete with the extraordinary versatility and convenience achieved by modern internal combustion vehicles, making EVs a viable alternative and accessible across all price ranges.
The focus of his research is to enhance the essential transportation of charges within batteries. Rangom is working on creating quicker charging cells that can power smaller, less expensive battery packs, that make up for their smaller size by being able to be charged more frequently. Additionally, his aim is to develop cells that generate less heat reducing the need for complex and expensive cooling systems further reducing the overall cost of battery packs, while also minimizing internal chemical degradation for extended longevity.
“In Canada and throughout the world, batteries and EVs have been chosen to be the tip of the spear in the fight against climate change,” says Rangom. “Researchers who have the chance to work in this field have the immense responsibility to provide effective and affordable technology to enable this agenda. This is my main goal here at Waterloo.”
Rangom is collaborating with Professor Michael Pope in the 2D Materials and Electrochemical Devices Lab with the support of industry partner Magna, working to create fast-charging batteries.
One crucial factor in EV battery technology is faster charging times. At about 30 to 45 minutes the duration required to charge an EV is presently considerably longer than refilling a conventional vehicle which only takes a few minutes.
Rangom is conducting research on lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery electrodes, with a focus on developing batteries able to recharge in under 15 minutes. One strategy involves exploring different electrode architectures to replace the non-conductive structural elements of today’s electrodes.
With the rising demand for electric vehicles, there is a greater focus on creating batteries that are both fast charging, cost-effective and have increased longevity. Rangom’s research aims to make these goals a reality in this rapidly evolving field.