Latest news with #batterytech
Auto Blog
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
VW Bets on Cheaper Batteries to Help Revamp EV Lineup Starting with ID.2
Volkswagen's affordable EV push is leveraging new battery tech Volkswagen (VW) has scheduled a substantial refresh of its electric lineup starting in 2026 with the release of the ID.2 supermini, the automaker's first-ever model to use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery tech that's less expensive than its current nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) packs, as first reported by Autocar UK. The VW Group's upcoming core EVs will segue from today's MEB platform into a new LFP battery platform named MEB Plus. LFP battery cells have slightly less energy density than NMC packs, but their production cost savings outweigh this energy discrepancy. The savings primarily stem from LFP batteries being less reliant on expensive materials like cobalt than NMC packs. New LFP cells also have higher thermal stability and a longer lifespan. After the ID.2's release, MEB Plus will make its way into VW models like the ID.3 hatchback, the U.S. market's ID.4 SUV, and the ID.7 sedan. Tesla was the first automaker to bring LFP batteries to the mass market with its Model 3 in China, followed by Ford's Mustang Mach-E. The Volkswagen ID.2 modular electric drive matrix (MEB) with front-wheel drive. — Source: Volkswagen News of the MEB Plus platform is significant given VW's earlier struggles in the EV segment. These roadblocks included the ID.3 and ID.4 launches experiencing software glitches, interior material quality complaints from users, and a perception that the vehicles didn't match or surpass the value of competitors like Tesla. VW's new Salzgitter, Germany, factory will manufacture the upcoming LFP batteries alongside the current NMC packs until they're phased out. The automaker's CEO, Thomas Schäfer, told Autocar UK: 'You can see this move towards LFP across the board, except for performance applications on the upper end. In the volume game, LFP is the technology.' Final thoughts MEB Plus will revitalize VW's EV lineup until the company launches its delayed SSP platform, a multi-billion euro extension of the current MEB modular system, according to Battery Industry. VW's use of MEB Plus also marks the brand's first substantial shift into a new platform that's cheaper to make, enhancing its mass market prospects. While the ID.2 is the automaker's first direct entry into the affordable EV market, it likely won't make it to the U.S., where VW and other manufacturers face export challenges with tariffs and an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that's on the verge of a substantial reorganization. Changes to the IRA could also slow the growth of U.S. battery production facilities, even if VW expands its U.S. manufacturing presence. Still, current and prospective U.S. EV drivers can look forward to cost reductions and possible range increases in models like the VW ID.4 SUV, along with GM's commercialization of LMR (lithium manganese-rich) prismatic battery cells that bring extended range electric trucks through more accessible pricing. Like VW's LFP battery tech, GM's LMR cells are less reliant on cobalt, which has introduced ethical dilemmas in addition to higher costs. Cobalt mining has exposed local communities, primarily the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to toxic metals while contributing to environmental degradation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo produces about 70% of the world's cobalt supply.
Phone Arena
15-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Samsung might level up its battery tech game, but not how we hoped
Referential image of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. | Image credit — PhoneArena Samsung is finally looking to bring new battery tech to its Galaxy lineup, but it may not be the next-gen breakthrough fans were hoping for. According to a report from a Korean outlet, Samsung is preparing to adopt a new stainless steel-based battery component called "SUS CAN." This isn't the much-praised silicon-carbon battery tech that's made waves in recent flagship releases, but it's still a notable improvement. SUS CAN tech, developed by Samsung SDI, promises increased energy density and faster charging speeds, while also addressing a common pain point: battery swelling after prolonged use. While this might sound like a modest upgrade, the shift could still bring tangible benefits to future Galaxy phones, especially when it comes to longevity and charging performance. Apple is already using this type of battery tech in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, so Samsung is arguably playing catch-up here. Korean media reports that Samsung plans to adopt a new technology in its next-generation model that could significantly increase battery capacity. According to the report, the technology involves a stainless steel material being developed by Samsung SDI, commonly referred to in… — Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) May 15, 2025 What many were really hoping for, though, was the arrival of silicon-carbon batteries. This advanced tech has already shown up in devices like the OnePlus 13T, which packs over 6,200 mAh into a surprisingly slim body. Similarly, the Oppo Find N5 uses silicon-carbon to power thin foldables with massive battery capacities. In contrast, Samsung's latest models — including the recently launched Galaxy S25 Edge — continue to rely on traditional lithium-ion batteries, often resulting in smaller capacities and slower improvements across choice to go with SUS CAN over silicon-carbon, at least for now, suggests Samsung is opting for an incremental step rather than a leap forward. Still, any boost to battery performance would be welcome news, especially for users of foldables and power users frustrated by short runtimes. There's no timeline yet for when SUS CAN batteries will start appearing in Galaxy smartphones, but with development reportedly underway, we could see the tech arrive in the company's next flagship cycle. It may even arrive in time for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Galaxy S26 series. Until then, Samsung fans may have to keep waiting for that dream combination of big battery, fast charging, and compact size. However, there is at least progress on the horizon, a justification that I don't particularly enjoy having to bring up this late in the game.
