AA Ni-MH batteries

　　New breakthrough in AA Ni-MH batteries technology: Solid-state batteries can be fully charged in just 5 to 10 minutes

　　Modern life depends on batteries, but current AA Ni-MH batteries technology doesn't meet our needs and they often run out of power at the wrong times.

　　Ever since Thomas Edison looked for a way to power his friend Henry Ford's Model T, scientists have been looking for better batteries.

　　Now, a groundbreaking new AA Ni-MH batteries technology finally appears to be closer to reality. If it lives up to expectations, the new technology could keep cell phone addicts going for days and increase the range of electric vehicles to more than 500 miles (about 804 kilometers).

　　The new technology, known as solid-state AA Ni-MH batteries technology, replaces the liquid electrolyte in today's batteries with ceramic materials. The liquid in lithium-ion batteries is as flammable as gasoline, which is why their use on aircraft is prohibited in specialty areas. Some accidents are caused by defects in lithium batteries.

　　"Solid-state AA Ni-MH batteries technology is finally taking off," said Josh Duettner-Garrett, CEO of Colorado-based SolidPower.

　　His company focuses on developing solid-state batteries. This week it formed an alliance with BMW AG, which has pledged to provide some form of AA Ni-MH batteries component in every product it makes over the next 10 years, whether it's a conventional hybrid, plug-in electric car or pure electric car (BEV).

　　Today's lithium-ion batteries have come a long way from earlier lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and nickel metal hydride technologies. But as the latest long-range electric vehicles enter the market, such as Tesla's Model 3 and Chevy's Bolt, they require batteries that weigh more than 700 pounds.

　　Complicating matters is that the AA Ni-MH batteries takes several hours to charge, and lithium technology isn't cheap.

　　Car AA Ni-MH batteries prices have fallen from about $700 per kilowatt-hour in 2010 to less than $200 today, according to industry data. But to power an electric car with a 200-mile range, a 60-kilowatt-hour AA Ni-MH batteries would still cost more than $10,000.

　　Experts say that solid-state AA Ni-MH batteries technology is expected to achieve leaps in three key areas. One of them is that the power supply capacity of the same-sized AA Ni-MH batteries can be increased by at least twice, that is, the energy density is improved. Eventually the energy density of the AA Ni-MH batteries can be doubled.

　　This would allow automakers to halve the AA Ni-MH batteries size for the same range requirements, or double the range and improve performance, or they could find a balance between range and improved performance.

　　Duettner-Garrett said that solid-state batteries can also achieve ultra-fast charging, making charging electric vehicles as simple and time-saving as refueling gasoline-powered vehicles. In other words, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to fully charge.

　　As for price, a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group estimated that lithium-ion AA Ni-MH batteries prices will drop to $70 per kilowatt-hour within five years. But analyst Xavier Mosquet said solid-state batteries could be 20% cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.

　　BMW is far from the only company planning to use solid-state AA Ni-MH batteries technology.

　　Toyota has hinted that it will introduce this technology in its electric vehicle production line at a new U.S. factory around 2021. Toyota this month formed an alliance with Panasonic, which has become one of the world's largest suppliers of lithium batteries, and is expected to focus on solid-state AA Ni-MH batteries technology.

　　Another active company is British ceramics manufacturer Dyson. In October 2015, it acquired Sakti3 technology. Earlier this year, Dyson revealed plans to launch its own electric vehicle subsidiary that would use new batteries. It also plans to use the technology to make cordless devices more attractive.

　　Solid-state batteries have been making progress, and proponents like Duettner-Garrett admit they're not quite ready yet.

　　AA Ni-MH batteries makers have already demonstrated the technology in labs, and now they must ensure they can mass-produce solid-state batteries and then prove they can be used in the specific charging environments where electric vehicles operate every day.

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