China’s new 600Wh/kg lithium battery could double EV energy density

Chinese researchers at Tianjin University have developed a lithium metal battery with an unprecedented energy density of 600 Wh/kg, potentially doubling the energy density of Tesla’s best batteries and quadrupling that of BYD’s Blade batteries. This breakthrough could significantly extend the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), alleviate range anxiety, reduce battery weight, and enhance performance and efficiency. Additionally, the battery’s high energy density and safety features open up promising applications in electric aircraft and drones, where extended flight times and reliability are critical. The team achieved this advancement by rethinking the traditional lithium-ion solvation structure, creating a more flexible, non-localized interaction between lithium ions and solvent molecules. Using machine learning to optimize lithium salts and solvents, and incorporating fluorine to enhance thermal stability, the battery demonstrated remarkable safety characteristics: it operates at temperatures as low as -60 °C without freezing, resists ignition under open flame, and withstands nail penetration tests. Early tests showed stable performance after 90 charge cycles and