High Energy, RAnge extending battery for Electrical Vehicles (HERA-EV)

We can deal with the daunting challenges of depleting fossil fuels as-well-as the toxic and greenhouse gases emitted from the gasoline/diesel driven vehicles by replacing their internal combustion engine with rechargeable batteries. This project focuses on the development of an all-metal-free and biocompatible rechargeable battery system that will compete with the existing counterparts (Lithium-ion batteries, LIBs) in Electric Vehicles (EVs) currently under development. We herein propose to design and develop dendrite-free organic anode, porous air-cathode, and solid-biopolymer electrolyte based solid-state batteries, having high energy density, enhanced service-lifetime, lightweight, cheaper and much safer than LIBs. This new metal-free, low-cost and solid-state rechargeable battery system when equipped in Ford vehicles (Ford is the industrial partner in this project) will not only enhance their driving range between consecutive recharge but will also provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to deal with the environmental problems and rising energy demands in the automotive sector.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mohini Sain

Student:

Vijay Kumar

Partner:

Ford Motor Company

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Automotive and transportation

University:

University of Toronto