Latest Developments in Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging: Collaborations Between Caltech, JPL, Ample, Honda, vsNEW, Irdeto, and ChargeHub; Sila; EVgo; and WorkHorse Group.
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), 2025 has seen a significant focus on enhancing battery safety, performance, longevity, and sustainability. This progress is driven by the use of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials, and novel manufacturing processes.
While there is no specific new public report naming breakthroughs directly by Caltech, JPL, or Honda, the overall landscape indicates significant improvements from both academic and corporate innovators.
Advanced AI tools and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) now enable real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, improving battery safety and reliability. These methods detect early signs of battery degradation or faults, helping avoid failures and optimize battery life in EVs.
Researchers are exploring new battery chemistries such as lithium-sulfur and the use of nano-sized particles to boost energy density and charging speed. Innovative single-step laser printing for lithium-sulfur batteries accelerates production and improves performance. Using biological materials (e.g., corn protein) and fluid electrodes to create adaptable battery shapes represents cutting-edge research enhancing battery versatility and environmental sustainability.
Breakthroughs in rapid lithium extraction methods reduce reliance on acid and high heat, minimizing environmental impact in sourcing lithium for batteries.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries in Japan, a move that could reshape how batteries power various devices, including electric vehicles. These batteries are expected to address key challenges of EVs, including range, cost, and charging time.
Sila, a leading battery technology company, has launched new Battery Engineering Services to support consumer electronics (CE) and micromobility design teams in developing better batteries. Sila's CEO, Gene Berdichevsky, emphasized the benefits of close collaboration between Sila, OEMs, and cell partners to maximize energy density, power, and cycle life.
In the realm of charging infrastructure, Irdeto and ChargeHub have announced an enhanced strategic partnership to offer a fully integrated Plug & Charge (P&C) solution with roaming capabilities. The integrated solution offers seamless, secure, and automated charging across ChargeHub's extensive network. The partnership between Irdeto and ChargeHub simplifies scaling and management of EV charging networks for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and e-Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs).
EVgo Inc. has announced an expanded partnership with Midwest retailer Meijer to increase fast-charging infrastructure at Meijer store locations. Mitsubishi Corporation will leverage its mobility, renewable energy, and battery expertise to support Ample, a leader in EV battery-swapping technology, in its expansion of battery-swapping services. Ample has secured a $25 million investment from Mitsubishi Corporation.
In a notable development, Caltech and JPL have developed a method to coat lithium-ion battery cathodes with graphene, improving battery life and reducing the need for cobalt. Batteries with the graphene coating charge faster, last longer, and work in wider temperature ranges. The solution offers OEMs financial efficiency with consolidated monthly billing and end-to-end testing across both DC and AC charging.
These advancements collectively push EV batteries toward safer, longer-lasting, faster-charging, and more sustainable solutions. The future of EV technology looks promising as these innovations continue to shape the industry.
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- The progress in electric vehicle (EV) batteries is facilitated by various factors, including the use of advanced AI tools in real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, as well as the exploration of novel chemistries such as lithium-sulfur and the implementation of innovative manufacturing processes, like single-step laser printing.
- To further enhance battery safety and sustainability, researchers are investigating techniques that minimize environmental impact, like rapid lithium extraction methods reducing reliance on acid and high heat, and exploring the use of biological materials such as corn protein in battery production.
- Collaborative efforts among industry leaders, like Honda Motor Co., Ltd.'s demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries, Sila's Battery Engineering Services for consumer electronics and micromobility design teams, and Mitsubishi Corporation's investment in Ample, a leader in EV battery-swapping technology, are driving advancements in EV battery technology.
- Partnerships between technology companies, such as Irdeto and ChargeHub's integrated Plug & Charge (P&C) solution with roaming capabilities, and expansion of fast-charging infrastructure at retail outlets, like EVgo Inc.'s partnership with Meijer, are simplifying and improving the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Breakthroughs at institutions like Caltech and JPL, such as the development of a graphene-coated lithium-ion battery cathode, are promising solutions for longer-lasting and faster-charging EV batteries, potentially reducing the need for cobalt. These innovations collectively contribute to a future where EV batteries are safer, longer-lasting, faster-charging, and more sustainable.
