Samsung EV battery offers 500km range with 20 minutes of charge

One of the main factors that has restricted the widespread use of electric cars is range anxiety. Charging stations, are still not as widespread as petrol stations and till we get to that point, range anxiety will continue to be a concern for those who are considering the purchase of an electric car. Another sticking point is the long time needed to recharge the car. Samsung SDI’s lithium ion and renewable division used the Detroit Motor Show (North American International Auto Show) to announce the development of a “next generation” battery that will offer a range of 600 kilometers (373 miles) and can be recharged in just 20 minutes.  Within the time that you drink a cup of coffee, your electric car can be charged enough to go for 500 kilometers. This is more than the range of even a fully-charged Tesla Model S.

In order to reduce the time needed for charging, instead of fitting more battery cells which will add to the weight of the vehicle, Samsung is hoping that developing a battery with fast-charging capability is the best solution for range giving customers the ability to drive for a longer distance without stopping to recharge their cars.

Another innovative product that the Korean company unveiled at the NAIAS was an improved “21700” cylindrical battery, named so due to its 21 mm diameter and 70 mm length. The battery is shaped like a large shotgun shell and Samsung claimed it offered better energy density, power and performance.

In view of stricter norms with regard to emissions and the impact of internal combustion cars on the environment, many automotive manufacturers will be offering a wide range of electric car models by 2021. By the time these cars reach the market at the end of the decade, it looks like Samsung and other tech companies are on course to develop battery technology that will make them as easy to use as petrol powered cars.