Exxon's New Graphite: A Leap for EV Battery Lifespan?
So, ExxonMobil, the oil giant, is making waves in the EV world. I know, it sounds strange, right? But they're claiming to have developed a new kind of graphite that could seriously boost the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. Their CEO, Darren Woods, even called it a "revolutionary step change." Apparently, some EV manufacturers are already testing it out.
This new synthetic graphite is all about improving the battery's anode. The anode is where electrons are discharged. Exxon reckons their graphite could lead to faster charging and longer driving ranges. Woods mentioned it could extend battery life by 30%.
I find it a bit funny that Exxon, of all companies, is diving into EV tech. They've faced tons of criticism for their role in climate change. But hey, they've actually been researching alternative energy stuff for ages. Fun fact: Exxon invented the lithium-ion battery back in the 70s!
Why Graphite?
They're not getting into wind or solar. Woods explained that Exxon is focusing on what they're good at: transforming molecules. And apparently, there's huge potential in using hydrogen and carbon to meet the rising energy demands. But, let’s be real, they only jump on projects that make financial sense. They even considered delaying a low-carbon project due to lack of interest.
But it seems they're betting big on EV batteries as a solid investment for the future. Even though EV sales have been a bit shaky recently, Exxon believes the demand will keep growing.
Most battery materials come from China these days. Producing graphite in the U.S. could give Exxon a strategic advantage, especially with those tariffs floating around.
Exxon recently bought some assets from Superior Graphite, aiming to ramp up production and hit commercial production by 2029.
The company claims that making synthetic graphite is faster and more efficient than mining it. Plus, it delivers better performance than what's currently available.
Exxon stated that synthetic graphite is crucial for the energy transition, a key piece for EVs and energy storage. They also expect the demand for better batteries to keep growing. So, I guess we'll have to wait and see if Exxon's graphite really lives up to the hype.
Source: Gizmodo