Imagine if your car’s frame wasn’t just a shell, but it was the power source, too. That’s exactly what a team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden is working on, and their latest advancements in structural batteries could flip the script on how we think about energy storage in electric vehicles (EVs). By creating a material that pulls double duty as both a power supply and a load-bearing structure, they’re making significant strides toward lighter, more efficient cars, planes, and even consumer electronics.
Structural batteries - think of them as "massless energy storage" - promise to cut the weight of EVs, increase their range, and push the boundaries of what’s possible for energy-efficient transportation. According to the research team, these batteries could extend the driving range of an EV by up to 70% on a single charge. That’s not just a little bump in efficiency - it’s a potential game-changer for the entire auto industry.
"We have succeeded in creating a battery made of carbon fibre composite that is as stiff as aluminium and energy-dense enough to be used commercially," says Richa Chaudhary, one of the lead researchers on the project. “Just like a human skeleton, the battery has several functions at the same time."
Since 2018, Chalmers University has been at the forefront of research into how carbon fibers can store electrical energy, turning heads when they showed how these fibers could act as both the structure and the battery in EVs. This isn’t just about cutting-edge tech, anymore - it’s about real-world applications that could reshape industries.
Shedding Weight, Adding Range
The team’s latest breakthrough brings the battery’s energy density to 30 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). While that might sound modest compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. This battery is part of the vehicle’s structure, meaning the overall weight drops significantly. With less weight to move, the vehicle needs less energy, making it far more efficient. The potential savings here aren’t just for your daily commute but for the long haul as well. Picture an EV that could travel 70% farther on the same amount of energy.
"Investing in light and energy-efficient vehicles is a matter of course if we are to economise on energy and think about future generations. We have made calculations on electric cars that show that they could drive for up to 70 percent longer than today if they had competitive structural batteries," says Professor Leif Asp, the project’s research lead.
Safety and Strength Still Come First
In addition to the energy storage perks, this new battery tech doesn't skimp on safety or strength. The battery’s stiffness has been dramatically improved, allowing it to meet the demanding structural requirements of vehicles while maintaining a lightweight profile. Essentially, it can hold up as well as aluminum in terms of load-bearing, but without all that extra mass.
"In terms of multifunctional properties, the new battery is twice as good as its predecessor – and actually the best ever made in the world," says Asp, who has been researching structural batteries since 2007.
Looking Ahead: From Laptops to EVs
While there’s still plenty of work to be done before we see this tech rolling off assembly lines, the potential is enormous. Whether it’s powering the next generation of razor-thin mobile phones or significantly extending the range of EVs, this technology is poised to make an impact across multiple industries. Startups like Sinonus AB, a spin-off from Chalmers, are already working on bringing these batteries to market.
It’s clear that structural batteries aren’t just some far-off concept - they’re knocking on the door of commercialization. With enough investment, the automotive and aerospace sectors could be the first to benefit from these lightweight, energy-efficient advancements. And with that kind of backing, the sky’s the limit.
The future of EVs might not be about building better batteries - it might be about building better cars with batteries inside them. Chalmers University’s structural battery could be the key to unlocking longer range, lighter vehicles, and a more sustainable future for transportation. Keep your eyes on this space because it’s just getting started.
Photography courtesy of Chalmers University of Technology | Henrik Sandsjö
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