Ford Researcher Touts Potential of Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state lithium-ion chemistry currently is the most promising of several next-generation battery options Ford Motor Co. is evaluating for future hybrid and electric vehicles.

The carmaker also is studying lithium-sulfur and lithium-air designs, each of which has pros and cons. They all use lithium metal anodes to enhance energy density, but none of the technologies is ready for production, observes Ford battery research engineer Venkat Anandan during a presentation this week at SAE's WCX 17 engineering conference in Detroit.

Bulk-type solid-state batteries have the best combination of volumetric energy density and safety benefits, according to the Ford researcher. The design features solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte material, which are more stable than liquid electrolytes.

But improvements are needed in terms of current density, cycle life and manufacturing scalability. Anandan says Ford is working with university partners to develop lithium lanthium zirconia oxide electrolytes to help solid state batteries overcome these issues.

Lithium-air batteries have a high theoretical specific energy density and are relatively inexpensive, Anadan says. Challenges include a low practical energy, system complexity and poor cycle life.

He cites cost and energy density as advantages for lithium-sulfur batteries. But Anadan notes the accumulation of polysulfides significantly lowers cycle life.