Renault's EV Breakthrough: Aluminium Air Battery

By Rajkamal

Renault is in the forefront to adopt a new aluminium air battery for its electric cars that would increase their overall range seven-fold, including the Renault Zoe EV.

Aluminium-air batteries or al-air batteries produce electricity when oxygen from the air oxidises aluminium. About 4kWh of electricity and heat can be extracted from a single kilo of aluminium.

Each al-air battery cell has a positive cathode and an aluminium negative anode. The battery cell has water-based electrolyte in between them.

renault electric vehicle

Battery developer Phinergy's breakthrough is a catalyst based on Silver, that only allows oxygen from the existing air surrounding the battery into the positive cathode.

These new aluminium-air batteries are lighter, much more compact and offer greater energy output and will cost less than half the price of traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Aluminium-air technology might just transform the EV's appeal in the modern world by offering much more range and easier recharges.

Article Published On: Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 20:59 [IST]
Notifications
Settings
Clear Notifications
Notifications
Use the toggle to switch on notifications
  • Block for 8 hours
  • Block for 12 hours
  • Block for 24 hours
  • Don't block
Gender
Select your Gender
  • Male
  • Female
  • Others
Age
Select your Age Range
  • Under 18
  • 18 to 25
  • 26 to 35
  • 36 to 45
  • 45 to 55
  • 55+