New Battery Could Double Electric Car Range to 1,000km

Electric cars just got closer to ending range anxiety for good.

Researchers from Nankai University and the Shanghai Institute of Space Power Sources developed a new lithium battery that reaches 700 watt-hours per kilogram in lab tests. That's double the energy density of today's best batteries, which hit a ceiling around 350 watt-hours per kilogram.

The breakthrough means electric vehicles could travel over 1,000 kilometers on a single charge instead of the typical 500 kilometers. Even better, drivers won't need bigger or heavier battery packs to get that extra range.

Lead researcher Chen Jun explained the significance to state broadcaster CCTV. "Our batteries have more than twice the energy density of ordinary batteries," he said, noting that a car currently traveling 500 kilometers could exceed 1,000 kilometers with the new technology.

The timing matters because the entire battery industry hit a wall. Lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium batteries are approaching their theoretical maximum performance, forcing manufacturers to explore expensive solid-state alternatives.

This team found a different path forward by creating a new electrolyte that keeps liquid lithium batteries viable. The research appeared in Nature this week, one of the world's most prestigious scientific journals.

The new batteries also promise better performance in cold weather, where current electric vehicles often struggle. Cold temperatures drain conventional lithium batteries faster, reducing range precisely when drivers need reliability most.

The Ripple Effect

This discovery could accelerate electric vehicle adoption worldwide by eliminating one of drivers' biggest hesitations. Range anxiety keeps many people loyal to gas-powered cars, even as charging infrastructure expands.

Doubling battery capacity without adding weight or size means automakers can either extend range dramatically or reduce battery size to make electric vehicles lighter and more affordable. Both options make clean transportation more accessible to average families.

The breakthrough also positions liquid lithium batteries as a continued player in the energy storage market. Many companies invested billions pivoting to solid-state technology, assuming liquid batteries reached their limit.

Moving from lab results to production takes time, but the fundamental science is proven. The next steps involve scaling manufacturing and testing real-world durability across different climates and driving conditions.

For now, the message is clear: the next generation of electric vehicles could travel twice as far, making road trips and daily commutes equally practical on a single charge.