Breakthrough Lithium-Metal Battery Powers EVs with 497 Miles Range in 12-Minute Charge

September 15, 2025
Breakthrough Lithium-Metal Battery Powers EVs with 497 Miles Range in 12-Minute Charge
  • These batteries are expected to last over 186,400 miles, comparable to Tesla's batteries that retain 85% capacity after 200,000 miles, representing a significant leap in durability.

  • Overall, this innovation marks a major step toward ultra-fast charging and extended range, potentially transforming EV adoption and performance, with the possibility of powering 500-mile trips on a 12-minute charge.

  • The core challenge addressed was the uneven deposition of lithium ions during charging, which leads to dendrite growth; the new electrolyte promotes uniform ion deposition, enhancing safety and longevity.

  • Researchers from KAIST and the Frontier Research Laboratory have developed a groundbreaking lithium-metal battery technology that offers significantly higher energy density, enabling electric vehicles to achieve up to 497 miles of range and fully charge in just 12 minutes.

  • This new battery technology not only extends driving range but also dramatically improves charging speed and lifespan, with lab tests showing a 17-minute charge to 80% over 180 cycles.

  • The batteries can deliver up to 497 miles of range and can be fully charged in only 12 minutes, addressing major challenges in EV infrastructure and battery capacity.

  • A key innovation involves a novel electrolyte with a weakly binding anion structure that inhibits dendrite growth, allowing rapid, high-capacity charging while maintaining high energy densities of 321 Wh/kg and 386 Wh/kg.

  • In laboratory tests, a higher-capacity version of this battery reached 80% charge in 17 minutes over 180 cycles, demonstrating both speed and durability.

  • The electrolyte prevents dendrite formation by ensuring a uniform surface layer on the lithium anode, which is crucial for safety and performance, and promotes even lithium ion deposition during charging.

  • The technology extends battery lifespan to over 185,000 miles (300,000 km), surpassing previous limitations and making electric vehicles more reliable over long distances.

  • This breakthrough enables lithium-metal batteries to achieve rapid charging, going from 5% to 70% in just 12 minutes and maintaining over 350 cycles, which could revolutionize EV charging standards.

Summary based on 2 sources


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