Are Metal-Air Battery Technology A ‘Saviour’ In EV Market?

India has found ample amount of lithium in various States and UT that is needed to be mined. However, the mining and extracting lithium for the use of making batteries to power electric vehicles will take around 16 to 17 years, as per Gaurav Joshi, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries.

While it will take so many years to process the lithium the country has found, the dearth of the metal is creating a doubts among the buyers of electric vehicles (EVs). While the lithium batteries are the biggest source of energy provider in the EV, it makes the vehicles equally expansive contributing 60 per cent cost of the vehicle.

There are so many companies who are engaged in various technologies to find the alternative to the lithium-ion batteries which can make the vehicle less expensive. Various companies are doing research into the scope of sodium-ion batteries, Hydrogen power, Solar power.

Meanwhile, Metal-air battery technology is an emerging technology for electric vehicles which is all set to be commercialized this year. However, the question arises, is it really an alternative to lithium batteries? 

Metal-Air Battery Technology For EVs

Metal-air batteries are substitute energy storage technology. It is a long-range, budget-friendly, lightweight, and recyclable source of energy that can be a better alternative to the lithium-ion batteries in the Indian EV market.

These batteries were invented in 1978. In these batteries the atmospheric oxygen works as cathode and metal as anode, the electron distributor paired up with water-electrolyte. The anode is designed for cheap metals like Zinc, Aluminum, and Iron.

The aluminum (metal used) in vehicles' batteries produce electricity when exposed to atmospheric oxygen. If the batteries are effective then they could have a higher range than the lithium batteries. The technology behind these aluminum-air batteries could be a revolutionary step in the auto industry if it is practically effective.

Industry’s Opinion On Metal-Air Batteries

Okaya Electric Vehicles: Dr. Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, Okaya Electric Vehicles said that the advent of metal-air technology in electric vehicles (EVs) in India is undoubtedly a remarkable development in the EV industry. This technology holds great promise as a source of energy that offers long-range capabilities, affordability, lightweight characteristics, and recyclability, making it particularly advantageous for trucks or Buses and vehicles with extended operational requirements.

However, it’s important to note one significant drawback: Metal-air batteries, unlike lithium-ion batteries, cannot be recharged through AC/DC Chargers. Once a metal-air battery is depleted of its energy, it must be replaced rather than recharged. Nevertheless, we are confident that a solution to this limitation will be found in the near future.

e-Sprinto: Atul Gupta, Co-founder & Director of e-Sprinto said metal-air technology stands as a remarkable leap in the electric vehicle sector, offering solutions to the shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries. Its most striking advantage is the use of locally available metals, which substantially reduces our dependency on lithium imports and, in turn, slashes production costs. This is a crucial step towards democratising electric mobility and making it accessible to a broader segment of the population. In addition, the eco-friendly nature of metal-air batteries is paramount. Their recyclability and reduced environmental impact present a compelling argument in favour of sustainable energy solutions. It’s a step in the right direction in our quest for greener alternatives.

However, we must acknowledge that metal-air batteries are typically not rechargeable. This limitation necessitates replacement when depleted. Yet, their unmatched energy density makes them well-suited for high-power storage or heavy vehicles with long range. Which, it may not be ideal for smaller EVs or daily commuter vehicles at the moment, but there is undoubtedly a need for further research and advancement in this area. The potential of metal-air technology for a broader spectrum of electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, remains an exciting possibility that should not be dismissed.

ReadyAssist: Vimal Singh, Founder & CEO of ReadyAssist opined that metal-air technology is a promising frontier in electric vehicle batteries, with the potential to transform the EV landscape in India. By utilizing locally available metals and atmospheric oxygen, these batteries offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible solution for EVs.

While challenges like non-recharge ability exist, ongoing innovations are addressing these limitations. Companies like Phinergy, Tata Motors, and others are actively exploring this technology, aiming to reduce EV costs and dependence on lithium imports. The lightweight nature and recyclability of metal-air batteries further enhance their appeal. As the EV market continues to expand, metal-air technology represents an exciting path towards greener and more affordable electric mobility.

AutoNxt Automation: Kaustubh Dhonde, Founder & CEO of AutoNxt Automation said that India's electric vehicle revolution is on the horizon, and with the emergence of cutting-edge metal-air technology, it's poised to transform the nation's automotive landscape. Metal-air batteries are set to power the future of EVs, offering greater range, lower charging times, and enhanced sustainability.

These innovative batteries leverage the inherent energy stored in metal, such as aluminium or zinc, and the oxygen in the atmosphere to generate electricity. This breakthrough technology promises to tackle the range anxiety that has held back EV adoption, making electric vehicles not just viable but preferable for Indian consumers.

Metal-air batteries are not only more efficient but also environmentally friendly, as they reduce the reliance on lithium-ion batteries and their associated supply chain challenges. With Indian companies actively investing in research and development, the days of long charging queues and limited range are numbered. As metal-air technology charges ahead, India's EV future is brighter than ever.

Log9: Log9 Materials is gearing up to launch its aluminum-air project within the current calendar year. This innovative Bengaluru-based start-up not only specializes in recycling lithium-ion batteries but also excels in AI-Air solutions.

Advantages Of Metal-Air Batteries

Enhanced Accessibility: Given the current scarcity of lithium resources, metal-air batteries offer a solution by utilising metals readily available in India, making electric vehicle (EV) batteries more widely accessible.

Cost Efficiency: Local battery production reduces the need for imports, resulting in cost reductions for both batteries and EVs. This affordability opens up opportunities for a broader range of potential buyers.

Eco-Friendly: In light of India’s ranking as the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, the government is keen on transitioning away from internal combustion engines. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries can be environmentally hazardous when not disposed of properly. Metal-air technology offers recyclable batteries, making it a safer and environmentally friendly choice.

Lightweight: Metals such as aluminum are lightweight materials that can provide energy equivalent to or greater than lithium-ion batteries. Metal-air batteries come in various metals, including zinc, aluminum, and iron, with aluminum being a popular choice due to its ease of replacement. The energy density of metal-air batteries can reach approximately 8.1 kWh/kg, while lithium-ion cells average around 200 kWh/kg, presenting a substantial difference, potentially 8-15 times more, according to experts.

Cons

Non-Rechargeable: Unlike lithium-ion batteries, metal-air batteries cannot be recharged. When a metal-air battery depletes its energy, it must be replaced, not recharged.

Indian Oil is actively working to address this issue by establishing battery-swapping facilities at thousands of gas stations throughout India, simplifying and expediting the process of replacing metal-air batteries, akin to filling a gas tank.

High Power Demands: Metal-air batteries are most suitable for high-power storage applications, requiring more than 2000 Wh/kg, such as grid-level electrical storage or in heavy vehicles like long-haul trucks, where continuous energy supply is critical.

Conclusion: Numerous companies have experimented with metal-air technology for EVs but faced limitations. The primary challenge is the inability to recharge metal-air batteries. However, with ongoing research and development efforts focused on metal-air technology, it holds the promise of playing a substantial role in accelerating the adoption of EVs in the mobility sector in the future.