Volkswagen Asserts That Batteries Will Power the Future of Transportation

Humans carry around lithium-ion batteries all the time — be it in their watches, their phones, or on their key fobs, and they’ve been around for hundreds of years, but their function remains somewhat obscure. Going forward, it’s more than likely that all automakers will include different forms of electrification in their lineups. Volkswagen has advanced the science of batteries in the past decade to create long-range electric vehicles like the upcoming Volkswagen ID. 4. Here’s how Volkswagen is betting on lithium-ion batteries being the key to the future of transportation. 

When it comes to alternative vehicles, researchers suggest that battery-powered automobiles have the ability to reduce carbon emissions. Once again, research indicates that a significant reduction in carbon emissions from personal vehicles is enough to make strides against climate change. Volkswagen hopes to expand the use of these batteries in its vehicles within a few years to meet global emission standards. 

Alessandro Volta initially identified the chemistry that batteries need to function in 1799. Every battery cell consists of two electrodes — the positive (cathode) and negative (anode), with an electrolyte substance in between to activate the charges. When batteries are connected to an electric circuit (functioning as a conductor), the electrons move from the anode to the cathode via the electrolyte substance. As the ions move from one end to the other, an electric current is created. Batteries that are rechargeable rely on this process, but in reverse. 

Electric vehicles aren’t relatively new, as people began experimenting with the idea not long after the invention of the early batteries. In the very beginning of the auto industry, electric vehicles were among the first best-sellers thanks to their low maintenance needs and quiet operation. It was only when roads became much more streamlined (i.e. long range) and gas vehicles more affordable that the first wave of electric vehicles came to an end. 

The modern revival we are currently undergoing with regards to electric vehicles can be attributed directly to the lithium-ion batteries that first came to prominence in the 1970s. In fact, Volskwagen built a handful of Microbus vans in the early 70s that used lead-acid batteries instead that provided 25 miles of range. Today, Volkswagen’s largest lithium-ion battery pack holds nearly four times as much energy and weighs a third of the weight — talk about modern innovation. 

Batteries lie at the heart of the reason why electric vehicles are considered to be the holy grail form of transportation when it comes to combating climate change. Traditional liquid-fueled vehicles only use about a third of the energy it requires to get the vehicle in motion, whatever energy isn’t used escapes as heat and friction while making carbon dioxide. Alternative fuels, such as ethanol and hydrogen, also contribute to similar waste patterns. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electric vehicles typically convert 75% of their energy to motion, and when charged with renewable energy sources, they have zero direct emissions while in use.

As brands navigate this new field, Volkswagen Group is tackling battery challenges with an innovative startup called QuantumScape to progress. The startup’s focus is to develop the concept of the solid-state lithium battery as the majority of today’s lithium-ion batteries use either a gel or a liquid electrolyte. A solid electrolyte means holding more energy per pound, thus adding to the vehicle’s overall range and efficiency. Costs could also be lowered and recharging times would certainly speed up if Volkswagen manages to usher in these scientific developments. Since 2012, Volkswagen has invested over $300 million with QuantumScape to research and develop solid-state lithium batteries, toward the goal of bringing the technology to the worldwide market within the next few years.

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