The Science Behind Electric Vehicles How They Work and Why They Matter

Solid-state batteries: inside the race to transform the science of electric vehicles

Working in the dry room at Deakin Universitys Battery Research and Innovation Hub is no day at the beach.

[Its] more desert than beach, says its general manager, Dr Timothy Khoo. At the beach, you at least still get the moisture coming in.

The 150m² dry room is, as far as Khoo knows, the largest in Australia for research purposes and essential to work prototyping and testing the next generation of batteries.

Its very difficult working in there for extended periods, Khoo says. Its not dangerous but your eyes starting getting dry, your skin starts getting dry and it feels like youve been outside in the sun all summer.

The room must be dry because water, moisture and humidity is lethal to a battery during production. Contamination, Khoo says, means it might not work or its performance will be compromised.

Depending on the materials, the worst-case scenario can also be dangerous.

Lithium reacts poorly with water, Khoo says. I dont know if you ever did high school science but its in the same sort of chemical category as sodium, potassium if youve ever thrown sodium into water, it explodes. Its a similar reaction in the context of lithium metal.

The centre is doing a brisk business, as companies race to develop the next generation of battery technology.

Most will be familiar with the lithium-ion battery, first commercialised by Sony in the 1990s to power its portable music players. From these humble beginnings, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is now king, powering mobile phones, laptops and in their most high-performance application electric cars.

One McKinsey analysis suggests the global lithium-ion battery market will grow into a $400bn industry by 2030. But with lithium-ion technology well-understood, those seeking transformative change are increasingly looking to solid-state batteries.

Hype and hope

Dr Rory McNulty, a senior analyst with Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, says the hype around solid-state batteries has been building since the first commercial solid-state battery was introduced by French company Blue Solutions in 2015.

Their battery was designed for use in e-buses but had design limitations and a charging time of four or more hours an illustration of how difficult the development process can be, even for a company such as Toyota.

Last July, the global car giant announced a breakthrough in the development of solid-state batteries that it claimed would halve the size, weight and cost of their manufacture.

This was greeted with both excitement and scepticism, owing in part to Toyota having poured money into the development of solid-state batteries since 2006 and reluctance to commit to producing fully electric vehicles over the past decade.

This development was soon followed by another in October: Toyota and Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu said they were aiming to develop and manufacture a solid-state electrolyte and bring it to market by 2028.

Toyota isnt the only company working in the area. In January, Volkswagen announced successful testing on a solid-state battery developed by QuantumScape achieved more than 1,000 charging cycles and maintained 95% of its capacity.

Meanwhile, Chinese companies such as WeLion and Nio EV have partnered to rush out a solid-state battery albeit one with less ambitious chemistry by 2024 but McNulty says those in western countries will have to wait until the end of the decade.

Toyota has pushed back its solid-state delivery timeline a few times over the years, which I think is a testament to how difficult some of the technical challenges that underpin development of a novel technology can be, he says.

Battery mechanics

The basic promise of solid-state batteries is more energy generated by a smaller battery. Efforts to develop the technology have taken several approaches but Khoo says much public attention is focused on two materials: silicon and lithium-metal.

Silicon-based anodes, theyre a little more advanced in terms of their technological readiness than the lithium-metal type batteries, he says. Purely from a scientific or engineering perspective, I believe lithium-metal batteries are a little more revolutionary.

That is, if people can get them to work.

Broadly speaking, there are three components that make a battery: a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte. From a scientific or engineering perspective, Khoo says, the anode, commonly known as the negative side of a battery, releases electrons into a circuit; the positive side, the cathode, receives the incoming electrons. The electrolyte allows ions to transfer between them.

The interaction of these components gives a battery its energy density the amount of energy it can hold, relative to its weight. Higher density batteries hold more charge, which makes them suited to things like electric cars.

Unlike current lithium-ion batteries, which use a graphite-silicon anode with a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries as the name implies swap the liquid for a solid material.

This creates a safer battery as there is no risk the liquid will leak if the casing is punctured, as in a car accident, and the chance of lithium fires is reduced. More importantly for EV drivers, it promises vastly improved range.

But for all the hype, the development of the solid-state batteries is being held back by the anode.

Dendrites and development

Of the several variations out there, lithium-metal anode solid-state batteries have received significant attention as a potential high-performance future battery technology.

The catch? Developing them has run into a problem known as dendrites.

Dendrites form when lithium-ions plate on to the pure metal anode, leaving tiny spurs on the surface.

Lee Finniear, the chief executive of Li-S Energy and a founding director of the Advanced Materials and Battery Council, says that as these imperfections grow over time they act like the high-point on a building in a major city during a lightning strike.

The lithium-ions are trying to find the shortest path to the anode, he says. If you get any variation or any kind of high point on the anode, it will tend to attract more ions, which will then plate as lithium, increasing the high point.

Depending how big these dendrites grow, they can pierce the material separating the anode from the cathode and cause a short-circuit.

And that kills the battery, he says.

There are other challenges too but solving these problem can be difficult and expensive which is why others have preferred to work with silicon-anodes, which rely on a similar material to that used in photovoltaic solar panels.

As it can be highly conductive, it is thought the more silicon thats used in an anode, the more its performance will improve.

Silicon anodes act like a sponge soaking up water, expanding and contracting with each charge cycle. Adding more silicon increases how much the anode expands and a pure silicon anode can expand up to four times its size.

Without intervention, the anode will eventually pulverise itself.

One fix involves structuring the silicon in a special way, another is to find additives to change its behaviour.

It is possible to solve these problems but making these batteries commercially available for use in EVs remains difficult.

As future technologies, manufacturing lines will have to be rebuilt and supply chain issues resolved, particularly as there is no one currently producing enough pure lithium-metal foil to supply car battery manufacturers.

Any breakthrough that addresses these problems and brings down the cost of production for solid-state batteries would be revolutionary but Toyota has so far been coy about the materials it is working with in its anodes.

When asked, a Toyota Australia spokesperson said they could not disclose this as research and development is being undertaken by its parent company.

Whatever the case, industry figures privately say it is best to simply assume the company is pursuing everything.

People forget that were talking about science here, Finniear says. Were talking abut persuading electrons and ions and chemicals to do what theyre told; its not software development, its not something you can program your way through.

These breakthroughs are really important but they take a lot of work.

The Science Behind Electric Scooter Lights How They Work And Why You Need Them

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how those cool electric scooter lights work? Well, I'm here to let you in on the science behind it all. In this handy how-to guide, we're going to dive deep into the world of electric scooter lights, understanding exactly how they work and why you absolutely need them. So, if you're ready to enlighten yourself and take your electric scooter game to the next level, let's get started!

Quick Tips

Tip 1: Check the battery Make sure the battery of your electric scooter is fully charged before turning on the lights. This ensures that the lights will work at their maximum brightness and won't dim while you're riding.

Tip 2: Locate the light switch Find the light switch on your electric scooter, usually located on the handlebars. With a simple flick, you can turn the lights on and off whenever needed.

Tip 3: Understand the wiring Know that the lights of an electric scooter are connected to the main circuitry. When you turn on the lights, the circuit completes and allows electricity to flow to the bulbs, illuminating the road ahead.

Tip 4: Ride safely at night Remember that electric scooter lights are essential for your safety when riding in low-light conditions. They not only help you see the road clearly but also make you more visible to other drivers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents. Always make sure your lights are on before starting your ride!

Comprehend light emission: LED lights convert electrical energy into visible light through electroluminescence

Do you ever wonder how LED lights work? Well, let me tell you! LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and these lights can convert electrical energy into visible light through a process called electroluminescence. It may sound complicated, but I'm here to break it down for you step by step.

First, let's understand electroluminescence. This process occurs when a current passes through a specially designed material in the LED. The material, called a semiconductor, emits light as the electrons in it recombine with positively charged holes. This recombination releases energy in the form of photons, which are particles of light. The color of the emitted light depends on the composition of the semiconductor material used in the LED.

Next, let's talk about how LED lights convert electrical energy into visible light. When you connect an LED light to a power source, the electrical current flows through the semiconductor material. As the current flows, electrons and positively charged holes move towards each other. When they meet, the electrons fall into the holes, releasing energy in the form of light. This process happens rapidly, causing the LED to emit a steady beam of light.

Now that you understand the basics of how LED lights work, it's fascinating to think about how these tiny diodes can produce such bright and efficient light. Whether you're using LED lights in your home, in your car, or for decorative purposes, knowing how they function adds a whole new level of appreciation for this modern lighting technology. So next time you flip a switch and see the room light up, remember the magical process of converting electrical energy into visible light happening right before your eyes.

How Does An Electric Scooter Work

Explore power sources: Lights draw power from the scooter's battery or a separate source

Lights on a scooter are an important safety feature, especially if you plan on riding at night or in low visibility conditions. To keep your lights running, it's crucial to understand the different power sources they can draw from. Most scooters have lights that are powered by the scooter's battery, which is convenient because you don't need to worry about buying and installing a separate power source. However, some scooters may allow you to use a separate power source for your lights, such as a portable battery pack or even a solar panel. By exploring these power sources, you can make an informed decision about which option is best for your needs.

If your scooter has lights that draw power from the scooter's battery, you don't need to worry about purchasing any additional equipment. The lights are already wired to receive power from the battery, so all you have to do is make sure the battery is fully charged before you ride. Most scooters have a battery indicator that will tell you the current charge level, allowing you to plan accordingly. Remember to recharge your scooter's battery regularly to ensure your lights are always bright and functional.

On the other hand, if your scooter allows you to use a separate power source for your lights, you have the flexibility to explore different options. One option is to use a portable battery pack specifically designed for powering lights. These packs are usually compact and rechargeable, making them convenient to carry with you and ensuring you always have a backup source of power. Another option, if you want to go the eco-friendly route, is to use a solar panel to charge your lights. By attaching a small solar panel to your scooter, you can harness the power of the sun to keep your lights running, reducing your reliance on traditional power sources.

Whether your scooter's lights draw power from the scooter's battery or a separate source, it's important to understand how to keep them functioning properly. By considering the available power sources and their advantages, you can decide which option suits your needs best. Remember to always check the charge levels, whether it's your scooter's battery or a separate power source, to ensure your lights are reliable and bright when you need them the most. Stay safe and enjoy your rides with well-lit pathways ahead.

Study light installation: Securely attach lights to the scooter, ensuring visibility and stability

To study light installation, start by gathering all the necessary materials: a scooter, lights, zip ties, and scissors. Begin by identifying the best location for your lights to ensure maximum visibility. I recommend attaching them to the handlebars or the back of the scooter.

Next, take one of your lights and insert the zip tie through the mounting hole. Wrap it around the desired location on your scooter and pull it tight. Make sure it is secure but not too tight that you damage your scooter. Trim off any excess zip tie with the scissors.

Repeat this process for each light, making sure they are evenly spaced and pointing in the direction you want. For better stability, you can use two zip ties per light. Finally, before you set off on your scooter, double-check that the lights are securely attached and working properly. Now you're ready to hit the road with your safely installed lights, ready to study and enjoy your ride at night!

Recognize safety benefits: Properly functioning lights improve visibility, reducing the risk of accidents

Properly functioning lights on your vehicle are extremely important for your safety on the road. By recognizing the safety benefits of having working lights, you can reduce the risk of accidents. Improved visibility is one of the major advantages. When your lights are in good condition and functioning properly, they help you see the road ahead clearly, especially during nighttime or in adverse weather conditions. This allows you to react promptly to any obstacles or hazards, preventing potential accidents before they occur.

In addition to improving your own visibility, properly functioning lights also make your vehicle more visible to other drivers on the road. This is particularly crucial in low light situations or when visibility is poor. Working lights ensure that other drivers can see you clearly, reducing the likelihood of them accidentally colliding with your vehicle. By increasing your visibility to others, you are increasing your chances of staying safe on the road and minimizing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, ensuring that your lights work can also ensure that you comply with the laws and regulations that govern traffic. In many jurisdictions, it is a legal requirement to have fully functioning headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights. By regularly checking and maintaining your lights, you can avoid potential fines and legal trouble. Furthermore, complying with traffic laws improves overall road safety for everyone. So, by recognizing the safety benefits of properly functioning lights, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of other road users.

Conclusion

We will gain a better understanding and appreciation of these essential safety features if we understand the science behind electric scooter lights. By understanding the circuitry, we can ensure that the lights on our scooters function properly. Additionally, comprehending light emission allows us to recognize the efficiency and longevity of LED lights, which convert electrical energy into visible light through electroluminescence. Lastly, exploring power sources enables us to make informed decisions about lights that draw power directly from the scooter's battery or from a separate source. By delving into the science behind electric scooter lights, we can not only enhance our understanding of these devices but also prioritize our safety on the road. Whether it is for daily commuting or leisurely rides, having a thorough understanding of how electric scooter lights work and why we need them will ultimately contribute to improving our lives and ensuring a seamless and secure riding experience.

FAQ

FAQ: The Science Behind Electric Scooter Lights How They Work And Why You Need Them

Q1: What purpose do electric scooter lights serve?A1: Electric scooter lights serve two significant purposes. Firstly, they improve the rider's visibility on the road, making them more noticeable to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Secondly, they illuminate the path ahead, ensuring the rider can clearly see obstacles, road conditions, and potential hazards.

Q2: How do electric scooter lights work?A2: Electric scooter lights typically work using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs convert electrical energy into light energy through a process called electroluminescence. When an electric current passes through a semiconductor within the LED, it emits photons, producing visible light.

Q3: Are electric scooter lights powered by batteries?A3: Yes, most electric scooter lights are powered by batteries. They often utilize rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that provide a reliable and long-lasting power source for the LEDs. These batteries can be easily recharged using a wall charger or USB port.

Q4: What types of lights are available for electric scooters?A4: There are various types of lights available for electric scooters. Common options include front lights, rear lights, brake lights, turn signal lights, and even under-deck lights for added visibility and style. Each light serves a specific purpose and contributes to enhancing safety while riding.

Q5: Are there any regulations regarding electric scooter lights?A5: Regulations surrounding electric scooter lights may vary depending on your location. Some jurisdictions may require front and rear lights, specifically during low-light conditions or nighttime riding. It is essential to familiarize yourself with any local regulations to ensure compliance and prioritize safety.

Q6: Can electric scooter lights be customized?A6: Yes, many electric scooter lights can be customized according to personal preferences. Some models provide different lighting modes, allowing riders to choose from various colors, patterns, and intensities. Additionally, riders may also have the option to purchase aftermarket lights for further customization.

Q7: Do electric scooter lights affect the battery life?A7: Electric scooter lights, especially LED lights, are designed to be energy-efficient and have a minimal impact on battery life. However, using more lights or higher brightness settings for extended periods may slightly reduce the scooter's overall battery life. Regularly charging the scooter battery can help compensate for any minor drain caused by the lights.

Q8: Can electric scooter lights be used during the day?A8: Electric scooter lights can be used during the day as well, although their impact may be less significant compared to riding at night or during low-light conditions. Using lights during the day can still enhance visibility, particularly in traffic-heavy areas or areas with poor weather conditions.

Q9: Are electric scooter lights weatherproof?A9: Most electric scooter lights available on the market today are designed to be weatherproof or at least water-resistant. However, the level of weather protection may vary across different brands and models. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's specifications and reviews to ensure the lights can withstand different weather conditions.

Q10: Can I install electric scooter lights on my own?A10: Yes, many electric scooter lights are designed for easy installation. They often come with mounting brackets or adhesive pads to secure the lights onto the scooter frame. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the installation process, it is advisable to seek professional assistance or follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Remember, using electric scooter lights is not only essential for your safety but also promotes responsible and considerate riding. Always obey local laws and regulations, use lights as required, and be mindful of others on the road.