Is there a theoretical limit to the energy density of lithium ion batteries?

[king05]

Title basically says it. Is there a known physical limit to how energy dense lithium ion batteries could possibly become? If so, how do modern batteries compare to that limit?

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Edited May 21, 2021 by king05

[MeeLee]

Yes. We're already at that limit.

Tesla increased the energy density of a battery pack, by increasing and optimizing the size of Lithium battery cells from the old and common 18650 to the new Tesla 2170 size.

Doing this, doesn't increase energy density in lithium, it merely optimizes the efficiency of a cell.

 

After they hit the theoretical max, they're now actually reducing efficiency, in an effort to reduce expensive cobalt in batteries, as well as replace the more expensive 2170 batteries with slightly less dense, but cheaper lithium ferro phosphate batteries in their Chinese vehicles.

 

The drop in density is only an order of a few percent to a theoretical max drop of 20% in range, but the price of the new design is significantly cheaper.

 

The way Tesla has been able to maximize energy density, is by mixing lithium with other metals, to the most optimal dose.

The only way they could possibly increase this density, is by finding a new metal alloy or some new composite mix, which could increase range further by a few percent. Or, find a new technology.

 

The future isn't in full electric, if you ask me, but in hybrids. A small, 15-30kWh battery pack, a powerful 100-200HP electric motor, and a small and optimized  600-900cc engine, that operates as a range extender, and runs at very low (1000-2000) RPM ranges during normal load, can get near to 80-100mpg on the engine, and 105-140 empg on the battery.

This range extender makes most sense to directly drive the wheels through a reduction gear, as opposed to the chevy voltage solution of powering a generator, to charge a battery (with all added efficiency losses).

 

Empg is nothing short of a comparison standard as to how much range you can get per dollar, to a gasoline car.

If the price of electricity goes up, so does the empg range go down on your vehicle.

In essence, a 100mpg gasoline car is nearly as cost effective as a fully electric car, in terms of running cost minus maintenance. 

 

Then there are newer wankel engines, wave disc engines, and other designs that differ from the typical 2 or 4 stroke gasoline or diesel engines we know, that could bring this mpg value much further than 80-100MPG.

Edited May 16, 2021 by MeeLee

[lolder]

The hybrid is the BMW i3. Low reving engines weigh too much. It costs about as much as a long range Tesla Model 3.