Showing posts with label batteries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label batteries. Show all posts


Home Batteries Are More Affordable Than Ever — Here’s What You Need to Know Before Installation

Batteries are rapidly becoming a common component in Australia’s shift towards cleaner energy sources, found not only within households but also integrated into the nation's electrical grid.

Approximately one out of every five newly installed solar systems now incorporates a home battery, up from one in twenty in 2021, as per recent statistics shared by Jeff Sykes, the CEO of the comparison site Solar Choice.

This has been fueled by a significant amount growth in the significance of large-scale batteries And an increasing number of Australians are opting for home batteries to stash electricity produced from solar panels, aiming to lessen their dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Those interested in utilizing battery systems can rejoice as their affordability and simpler setup are becoming more appealing for residential use.

The advantages of utilizing batteries in city environments

Glen Currie, residing in a century-old timber home in Boroondara within Melbourne’s east, added a new battery when upgrading his two-decade-old 5kW solar setup to a more advanced 10kW solar configuration.

He mounted the battery on the wall in a shaded area on the eastern part of his building near the solar inverters, thereby eliminating the necessity for cumbersome cable runs.

Currie mentions that one of the aspects he appreciates about the new battery is the accompanying smartphone application, which lets him monitor the daily inflow of power. "We are setting aside funds for an electric vehicle, and once we have it, we'll be capable of using all that surplus solar energy to recharge the car," he explains.

Currie advises individuals to invest in a battery prior to getting solar panels. This approach allows them to save power from the grid during cheaper hours and use their stored energy when rates rise.

This task is straightforward for your installer to complete and can also be configured at a later time.

Are you located in an area with an inconsistent power supply?

For certain individuals, batteries serve a distinctly utilitarian purpose aside from aiming to lessen their environmental impact. Those residing in remote regions frequently encounter unreliable electricity supply from the mains network; thus, possessing a reliable battery becomes essential.

Based on Lance Turner from Renew When considering a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing climate and energy resilience for Australian residences, there are multiple aspects to evaluate prior to having a battery installed at your home.

"It's crucial to confirm that the installation system can provide the necessary level of power and energy needed during blackouts," he states, noting that not all batteries are equipped for grid support. Some might only run essential devices such as fridges, making it essential to seek clarification.

Sykes emphasizes that a crucial factor is having an adequate number of solar panels to complement your selected battery. "The aim should be for it to charge primarily through excess solar energy all year round, even during winter when there’s less daylight."

Latest models simplifying home installation processes and reducing costs.

Home batteries have seen slow, incremental improvements in safety, cost reduction and ease of installation as lithium-based technology has developed, according to Finn Peacock, author of the Good Solar Guide and founder of Solar Quotes website.

"The pace of decrease in costs for home batteries has been maddeningly gradual, but it’s finally beginning to pick up speed," he notes.

A key advancement highlighted by Peacock is the shift towards 'all-in-one' modular systems that integrate a solar inverter within the battery setup. According to Peacock, this represents the optimal choice for customers because there’s no immediate necessity to purchase an additional battery; these can be incorporated subsequently at considerably lower expense.

Large-scale batteries are crucial for Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.

Australia was the pioneer nation for large-scale battery technology with the introduction of the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia. started operating its 100 MW Tesla battery in November 2017 to stabilize the power grid and prevent blackouts.

Since then, advancements have decelerated, yet Victoria remains. recently announced A $370 million, 100 MW battery will be built alongside a solar farm in the western part of the state. Although large-scale batteries have advanced significantly recently, Sykes notes this is primarily due to their more favorable revenue structure compared to residential batteries since they connect to the wholesale market.

“To transition Australia completely to renewable energy sources, sufficient energy storage capacity must be established,” states Peacock. “Although pumped hydro systems were historically used for this purpose, utility firms now overwhelmingly favor large-scale batteries because they can be deployed quickly, offer greater adaptability, provide swift responses, along with continuously decreasing expenses.”

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Scientists Transform Atomic Waste Into Electricity: A Breakthrough in Battery Technology

Scientists have reached a significant breakthrough in energy storage following the development of a new technology. nuclear battery that can transform nuclear waste into electrical power.

A group in the U.S. has already conducted tests on this. next-generation battery With a prototype gadget able to collect sufficient nuclear radiation for powering microchips.

Nuclear batteries have been praised for their capability to produce electricity for many years without requiring any refueling or upkeep.

The innovative battery, developed by scientists at Ohio State University, functions by capturing ambient gamma radiation emitted from depleted nuclear fuel and transforming it into light using scintillator crystals. The generated light is subsequently turned into electrical power through the use of solar cells.

“By taking what’s viewed as waste and attempting to transform it into valuable resources, we’re essentially converting trash into treasures,” explained Raymond Cao, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State University, who headed the study.

The battery It does not include radioactive substances, so it is safe to handle; nonetheless, it is not intended for general public use. The researchers instead pictured these batteries being utilized in nuclear power systems designed for space and deep-sea explorations.

The technology is also undergoing development in China as part of the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan. Last year, Beijing-based Betavolt stated their intention to begin large-scale production of nuclear batteries for various commercial uses such as smartphones, drones, and medical equipment.

The functional prototype developed in Ohio, about the size of a sugar cube, can generate 1.5 microwatts of power; however, bigger models should be capable of producing substantially greater amounts of electricity.

"These represent groundbreaking outcomes regarding power yield," stated Ibrahim Oksuz, a research associate in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State.

This two-part procedure is still in its early phases, however, the subsequent phase entails producing higher wattage using scaled-up structures.

The idea behind nuclear batteries holds great promise. Although there’s significant potential for enhancements, I am confident that in the coming years, this method will establish a crucial niche for itself within the realms of energy generation and sensor technology.

A study The study about the nuclear battery, named 'Scintillator-based Nuclear Photovoltaic Batteries for Power Generation at Microwatt Levels', was published in the journal. Optical Materials: X .

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Electric Cars: Are They Our Inevitable Future?

Battery Manufacturing Impact

Electric vehicles (EVs) depend significantly on lithium-ion batteries for storing and supplying electricity. Manufacturing these batteries consumes substantial energy and necessitates large quantities of scarce minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

Extracting these materials may result in significant ecological impacts, including habitat damage and water contamination. Additionally, the mining procedure frequently incorporates dubious employment methods, which raises moral issues.

This renders the production of EV batteries akin to a double-edged sword; while they offer the advantage of more environmentally friendly transport, this is offset by the ecological and moral expenses associated with their manufacture.

Electricity Source

The potential of electric vehicles is closely linked to the method through which their power source—electricity—is generated. When this electricity originates from sustainable resources such as wind or solar energy, the ecological advantages become quite significant.

Nevertheless, if the power for these electric vehicles comes from fossil fuels, their environmental impact might not be much smaller compared to conventional automobiles. This underscores the necessity of shifting towards renewable energy resources as we embrace electric cars.

If we don't have a clean power grid, the ability of electric vehicles to decrease emissions is significantly reduced.

End-of-Life Recycling

With the rise in electric vehicles on our roads comes an increased difficulty in recycling their batteries. If not disposed of correctly, these batteries pose risks of harmful environmental contamination due to the dangerous substances they hold.

At present, the recycling framework for electric vehicle batteries has yet to reach an adequate level of development, leading to challenges in waste management. It is essential to create efficient recycling techniques to ensure that the ecological advantages of EVs are completely maximized.

This task highlights the necessity for advancements in battery recycling techniques.

Infrastructure Needs

Transitioning to electric vehicles necessitates substantial changes to current infrastructure. This involves extensively deploying charging points, boosting the grid’s capability, and improving electricity delivery systems.

Lacking adequate infrastructure might impede the shift towards electric vehicles, particularly in regions with scarce charging points. Overcoming this hurdle is similar to constructing fresh roadways for today’s era, necessitating considerable financial input and strategic planning to facilitate an effortless move to electric transportation.

Range Anxiety

Even with improvements in battery tech, numerous prospective EV buyers still grapple with range anxiety. This refers to the worry that an electric car might lose all its charge before arriving at a charging point.

This concern is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where charging infrastructure is less developed. Range anxiety can be a significant barrier to EV adoption, deterring consumers who are used to the convenience of refueling traditional vehicles.

Tackling this problem is essential for wider adoption of electric vehicles.

Energy Efficiency

An indisputable benefit of electric vehicles lies in their superior energy efficiency. Electric cars transform a greater proportion of power drawn from the electrical grid directly into motion when contrasted with traditional Internal Combustion Engine vehicles.

This indicates that, kilometre after kilometre, electric vehicles consume less energy, rendering them more efficient. Such efficiency leads to decreased expenses for users and fewer emissions, assuming the power originates from renewable resources.

This efficacy stands as a major attraction for electric vehicles, underscoring their ability to revolutionize transport.

Economic Accessibility

Even though the price of electric cars is slowly dropping, they still remain unaffordable for numerous buyers because of their steep initial costs. In contrast, conventional vehicles frequently seem cheaper, particularly within regions where pre-owned choices are common.

These financial obstacles may hinder the uptake of EVs, especially in areas with below-average income levels. It’s crucial to render electric vehicles more budget-friendly through measures like governmental incentives and improvements in battery tech to facilitate broader acceptance.

Global Adoption and Equity

The uptake of electric vehicles differs greatly around the world. Typically, richer countries spearhead this shift due to governmental backing and well-developed infrastructures.

On the contrary, developing nations encounter significant hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure and financial limitations. Such differences spark debates regarding the worldwide fairness of the electric vehicle transformation.

Guaranteeing that every area enjoys the advantages of more sustainable transport involves tackling these disparities head-on and backing the creation of essential infrastructure globally. The dilemma surrounding electric vehicles presents a multifaceted challenge, featuring substantial perks along with considerable obstacles.

While going through this change, it's crucial to thoughtfully consider these aspects to ascertain whether this genuinely represents the future we desire.

What do you think about this topic? Share your thoughts in the comments below — we'd love to hear from you! Want more stories like this? Follow us and never miss out!



Mercedes-Benz Unveils First Solid-State Battery EV, Boasting Unmatched Range, Born from F1 Technology

Mercedes-Benz has started testing an EQS equipped with lithium-metal solid-state battery technology, making it a pioneering model in the automobile industry.

The battery is under development by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), a division within Mercedes-Benz responsible for adapting Formula 1 technology for the brand, along with the Mercedes-Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems.

Not only does HPP develop "leading-edge" F1 technology, but the automaker also claims that its subsidiary can adapt advanced F1 innovations for use in Mercedes-Benz initiatives frequently aimed at passenger cars.

What Mercedes-Benz is doing

Like all automakers focusing on electrification, Mercedes-Benz is trying to meet customer demand, which has evolved to encompass a longer range and faster charging.

As individuals purchase electric vehicles (EVs), they realize that certain amenities found in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles may be lacking.

Mercedes-Benz claims that its solid-state battery for the EQS can offer up to 25 percent greater range compared to the present model, using a battery of identical dimensions and mass.

Passive cooling reduces weight and boosts efficiency, according to the claim, aiding in reaching the coveted milestone of a 1,000-kilometer electric vehicle (620 miles). The present EQS model offers a range of 800 kilometers (497 miles).

What exactly is a solid-state battery?

Batteries consist of three components: the anode (negative end), cathode (positive end), and electrolyte (the intermediary section). When charged particles move from the cathode to the anode via the electrolyte, they generate electricity.

Conventional batteries contain a liquid or polymer electrolyte, making them susceptible to catching fire and exploding. In contrast, solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte composed of readily available materials.

Solid-state batteries have the capability to charge more quickly, are at lower risk of igniting, and provide greater power due to their higher density.

In what ways is Mercedes-Benz adopting solid-state battery technology?

The main problem with solid-state batteries lies in their production process.

Producing them on a large scale has been challenging, which is why solid-state batteries aren’t yet found in the everyday gadgets you use.

Mercedes-Benz incorporated a battery featuring a lithium metal anode into its all-electric EQS model, claiming this technology offers "superior" energy density.

This solid-state battery reportedly has the capability to boost cell-level energy density up to 450 watt-hours per kilogram, enabling Mercedes-Benz to significantly extend the driving range without increasing weight or expanding the battery size.

Final thoughts

For many years, people have been eager to see solid-state batteries in electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz’s prototype highlights the reasons behind this anticipation: it boasts extended range, rapid charging capabilities, reduced weight, and enhanced fire safety.

Producing solid-state batteries continues to be challenging during this early stage. For their prototype, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with Factorial to manufacture the battery according to their requirements.

This demonstration of their solid-state EQS serves as evidence that solid-state technology functions effectively.

We are uncertain about the process of producing solid-state batteries on an industrial scale and how costly they might become if extensively adopted within the automotive sector.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).


Unlocking the Secrets: The Guaranteed Availability of Holy Grail EV Batteries Uncertain" Alternatively: "The Quest for Perfect EV Batteries: Why the 'Holy Grail' Isn't a Sure Thing" Or even shorter and punchier: "Holy Grail EV Batteries: A Step Closer or Pipe Dream?

Solid-state batteries are considered the ultimate prize in cell technology.

Automobile manufacturers worldwide are competing to be the first to introduce them into vehicles. electric car , with some claiming the new power source will be in vehicles this year.

Kia isn’t so sure, though.

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Hyundai The leader of global product planning at the group, Spencer Cho, informed a U.S. publication Automotive News that the technology Is far more intricate than most people recognize.

I don't believe we can make these commercially viable. batteries before 2030,” said Cho

"There is significant doubt regarding the development of solid-state batteries," he stated.

It reflects comparable remarks made to CarsGuide previously by the same individual. Audi’s senior drivetrain engineers, who said the technology wasn’t likely to be feasible for ‘everyday’ cars in the foreseeable future due to the minuscule manufacturing margins of error required.

Automakers are placing significant bets on solid-state batteries because these are seen as the key to facilitating widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Solid-state batteries are more compact, lightweight, have higher energy density, and are less likely to catch fire compared to present battery alternatives.

This indicates that electric vehicles equipped with this technology can be lighter, possess greater power, and offer an extended driving range compared to those currently available. EVs .

They are crucial for accessing features of battery-powered devices as well. 4WDs , utes And performance vehicles, since they aren't subject to the same weight limitations that present battery technologies do.

Japanese giants Toyota , Nissan and Honda They have made significant progress in developing solid-state batteries. Each of them aims to integrate these cells into mass-produced cars around 2027 to 2028.

Chinese automakers, who presently lead in electric vehicle battery technology, assert they are nearest to integrating these power units into their cars.

The Vice President of Passenger Vehicles at SAIC, Yu Jingmin, stated during the 2024 Chengdu Motor Show that the company plans to incorporate solid-state batteries into their vehicles before the end of the year. SAIC holds ownership of these advancements. MG This indicates that we might spot the technology on Australian roads in the near future.

BYD , Chery and GWM All have embraced the technology and anticipate its implementation in production vehicles imminent.



Honda Activa E First Ride Review: Does the Battery Swap Make or Break It?

India’s electric scooter segment is evolving rapidly, and brands are working tirelessly to refine their EV offerings.

The focus is now on better performance, improved battery tech, and a more seamless riding experience. Among the latest entrants, Honda has finally stepped into the game with the Activa E. Given the legacy of the Activa brand, expectations are naturally high.

Recently, News-DIWIDAto got the opportunity to ride the Honda Activa E RoadSync Duo, the higher-end variant of Honda’s latest electric offering. Here’s our first-hand experience of how it fares in the real world.

Variants & Pricing

Honda offers the Activa E in two variants – Activa E (Rs 1.17 lakh, ex-showroom) and Activa E RoadSync Duo (Rs 1.52 lakh, ex-showroom). We rode the higher-end RoadSync Duo, which packs in extra features like a larger TFT display and smart connectivity.

Design & Dimensions

Visually, the Activa E sticks to a clean and familiar design language. The sharp lines, rounded body panels, and DRLs give it a modern appeal. The LED headlamp setup is crisp, while the energy-efficient LEDs at the rear ensure good visibility. The top variant gets stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels, adding a premium touch.

With a length of 1854mm, width of 700mm, and height of 1125mm, the Activa E is compact yet spacious. The 675mm seat length provides enough room for most riders, and as a woman, I found it comfortable and well-cushioned. However, taller riders (above 6ft) might feel a lack of under-thigh support, which can be an issue on longer rides. The 171mm ground clearance ensures the scooter doesn’t scrape on speed breakers, making it suitable for Indian roads.

Features & Technology

The RoadSync Duo variant I tested comes with a 7-inch TFT display, offering a host of smart connectivity features like topple alert, call and music control, live tracking, navigation, OTA updates, and maintenance alerts. The base variant, on the other hand, settles for a smaller 5-inch display with fewer features. A major downside is the lack of boot space, as the twin battery setup leaves no room for storage.

The Activa E comes with three riding modes – Eco, Standard, and Sport. These modes alter the performance to balance range and power output based on riding conditions.

Performance & Ride Handling

Honda claims a 102 km range, but in real-world conditions, we could achieve around 90 km in Standard mode. The 6 kW PMSM motor produces 22 Nm of peak torque, allowing the Activa E to reach a top speed of 80 kmph. The acceleration is smooth, and the scooter does 0-60 kmph in 7.3 seconds, which is sufficient for city riding.

The ride quality is smooth, and the power delivery is linear, making it easy to navigate through traffic. There’s no noticeable delay between twisting the throttle and getting power to the wheels. However, the suspension setup – telescopic forks at the front and a 3-step adjustable spring-loaded hydraulic suspension at the rear – could have been better. You’ll feel the impact of larger bumps and rough patches more than you’d like.

Braking is handled by a 160mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear. The setup is effective for city riding, offering adequate stopping power.

Battery Swapping & Subscription Model

One of the most interesting aspects of the Activa E is its swappable battery system. While this sounds convenient on paper, there are some practical challenges.

Firstly, the battery is only available via a subscription plan starting at Rs 1,999 per month (Rs 24,000 per year), which gives you approximately 40 km/day of riding. Additionally, you have to swap both batteries at the same time as the scooter won’t function on just one. Unlike other EVs where you can charge at home, the Activa E requires you to visit an e-swap station whenever the battery runs out.

In cities like Bengaluru, where there are over 200 swap stations, this works well. But in other cities, the infrastructure is still a question mark. For riders above 40, the swapping process might feel inconvenient and physically demanding.

Final Verdict

The Honda Activa E is a well-rounded electric scooter that doesn’t go overboard with flashy features or extreme performance. It delivers a refined riding experience with smooth power delivery, decent handling, and good city usability. However, the mandatory battery subscription model and reliance on swap stations could be a drawback for many riders, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.

If you're seeking a simple electric vehicle for everyday urban travel and have plenty of e-swap stations available, the Activa E presents a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you favor the convenience of charging at home, consider exploring alternative models before finalizing your purchase.