According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the nation could reduce its foreign oil dependence by 30 to 60 percent if consumers transitioned to electric vehicles. Likewise, greenhouse gas emissions—which affect health and the environment—could be decreased by 30 to 45 percent.

While electric vehicles have steadily gained popularity with consumers, the batteries that power these vehicles can be improved to make them more affordable, longer lasting, and safer.

DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) is focusing on reducing the cost and weight of batteries while improving their performance, including how far a vehicle can travel on one charge.

Breakthroughs in Battery Performance

To help VTO address these challenges, PNNL scientists are at the helm of DOE’s Battery500 consortium and are leading the charge on developing and evaluating lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles that have more than double the specific energy of current batteries—all while making them reliable and safe for the consumer.

At the behest of VTO, PNNL battery experts, along with industry, academic, and national laboratory partners, are making significant headway in addressing the challenges that hinder battery performance. These obstacles include overcoming extreme temperatures and eradicating structural issues like dendrites that pose safety risks to the consumer.

Breakthroughs can be made in understanding the machinations of battery research, thanks to PNNL powering the way for the efficient electric vehicles of the future.