Researchers from chemicals company Asahi Kasei and electrolytes expert Central Glass have joined IBM's Battery 500 project, the company's research initiative aiming to create an electric vehicle battery with a single-charge range of up to 500 miles.
Most electric vehicles are limited by the range of their lithium-ion batteries, most of which are limited to a range of 100 miles. The lithium-air technology being worked on by IBM would increase the density of batteries, but new materials are necessary to make them light enough and efficient enough for passenger vehicles.
Asahi Kasei's expertise in membrane technology is crucial to building a related component for its lithium-air batteries, according to IBM. Meanwhile, Central Glass will focus on developing a new class of electrolytes and additives for the emerging battery technology.
(Infographic courtesy of IBM)