Not wanting to be left behind in battery technology, the UK, has instituted the Faraday Challenge.

Race is on to develop new battery chemistries and manufacturing processes

For most of the 20th Century, batteries were an overlooked technology. And for good reason; the available batteries - predominantly lead-acid, although disposable zinc-carbon cells were also popular - were entirely suitable for the applications of the time. There was no particular reason to push the technology forwards. But times changed.

From article, (The race is on to develop new battery chemistries and manufacturing processes – and the UK is looking to take the lead.

For most of the 20th Century, batteries were an overlooked technology. And for good reason; the available batteries – predominantly lead-acid, although disposable zinc-carbon cells were also popular – were entirely suitable for the applications of the time. There was no particular reason to push the technology forwards.

But times changed. As the Century drew to a close, portable battery powered consumer electronics devices became widely used. Consumers not only wanted their products to last longer between either installing new batteries or recharging them, but a trend for smaller devices also appeared.

Now, electric and hybrid vehicles have added another twist. Together, these elements have kick started the recent interest in finding new battery technologies and chemistries.

Energy storage was one of the areas selected by ex industry minister David Willetts as one of the Eight Great Technologies. In a paper published in 2013, Willetts noted: “We need better ways to store electricity. This need arises at three distinct levels. First, there are the batteries in all our personal electronic devices. The second level is the development of better energy storage for vehicles. Thirdly, there is the challenge of storing more electricity for the Grid.”

Looking to take advantage of the opportunities, the Government is providing significant funding – as part of its Industrial Strategy – to help UK organisations to get the jump on other countries. Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark announced in July 2017 the launch of the first phase of a £246million investment into battery technology designed to ensure the UK builds on its strengths and leads the world in the design, development and manufacture of electric batteries.

Known as the Faraday Challenge, the four year investment will feature a coordinated programme of competitions, delivered via Innovate UK, that aims to boost the research and development of battery technology.

 Automotive Council targets for 2035

• Reduce battery cell cost from £100/kWh to £38/kWh
• Double energy density to 500Wh/kg
• Increase battery cell operating temperature range to -40 to 80°C
• Improve a battery pack’s recyclability from 10 to 50% today to 95%)

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