Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a pivotal force in the promotion of clean energy, with global sales experiencing a remarkable 31% surge in 2023. Nonetheless, as the demand for EVs escalates, manufacturers are confronted with the challenge of refining their designs to meet the evolving requirements of the contemporary world. One of the primary concerns within the industry pertains to the distance that EVs can cover on a single charge. While one solution involves increasing the size of the battery, this also contributes to the weight of the vehicle, necessitating larger brakes and potentially reducing the car’s practicality.
In response to this challenge, cell-to-body technology has emerged as a groundbreaking innovation that has the potential to revolutionize the EV industry. Distinguished from traditional battery packs that are installed into cars, cell-to-body technology seamlessly integrates the battery cells into the structure of the vehicle itself. This not only reduces the overall weight of the vehicle but also creates additional space that would otherwise be occupied by a cumbersome battery pack. This innovative approach has the potential to render electric vehicles both lighter and more economical to manufacture, without compromising on efficiency or performance.
The concept of integrating cells into the body of an EV was initially introduced by Tesla in 2020. More recently, Chinese manufacturer BYD has garnered attention for its pioneering use of this innovative technology. By eliminating the need for a separate battery pack, cell-to-body technology simplifies the assembly process, rendering it more efficient and cost-effective. According to Euan McTurk, a consultant battery electrochemist, “Integrating cells into the chassis allows the cells and the chassis to become multi-purpose. The cells become energy-storing and structurally supporting, while the chassis becomes structurally supporting and cell-protecting.”
Not only does cell-to-body technology offer a more streamlined approach to EV manufacturing and assembly, but it also holds significant promise in aiding the industry to fulfil its sustainability objectives. With over 26 million EVs on the road in 2022, there is a pressing need to decarbonize road transport. The International Energy Agency (IEA) asserts that electrification is a crucial lever in achieving this, with electricity projected to represent three-quarters of energy consumption in road transport by 2050.
The World Economic Forum underscores the necessity for increased investment to meet net-zero targets, citing data from the IEA which indicates that $0.9 trillion must be invested by 2030 to modernize electricity networks and construct public electric vehicle charging stations. Furthermore, the Forum highlights that EV battery manufacturing capacity currently falls 15% below the level required to meet 2030 targets. In this context, the adoption of cell-to-body technology could play a vital role in bridging this gap and propelling the industry towards attaining its carbon reduction targets in transportation.
The potential of cell-to-body technology to revolutionize the EV industry will be a prominent topic of discussion at the Forum’s forthcoming Special Meeting in Riyadh on 28-29 April 2024. Convening over 700 leaders from diverse sectors and industries, the meeting aims to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue on leveraging global cooperation to drive economic development, promote sustainable energy transition, and advance technology. Clearly, as the demand for clean and efficient transportation continues to escalate, innovative solutions such as cell-to-body technology will be indispensable in shaping the future of the EV industry.
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