The company Nanotech Energy unveils a brand new non-flammable battery dedicated to electric bikes, but not only. This avoids any risk of fire thanks to a design based on graphene and an innovative electrolyte.
Electric cars are on the rise, while the arguments made by their detractors have become fewer and fewer over the years. Whether it’s about price, autonomy or even recycling, among others. But some still claim that these vehicles are dangerous, because of their battery which presents a high risk of explosion.
Innovative technology
However, while it is true that electric car fires are impressive, they still remain very rare. And this will be more and more the case, thanks to the development of new technologies which limit the risks even more, while the tests are today very strict, as we explained in a previous article. But it’s not just the automobile industry that is affected by this problem. And for good reason, this is also the case for urban mobility.
Electric bikes also carry batteries, which are not foolproof and can pose a fire risk. This is especially the case for non-certified accumulators, which had caused no fewer than 243 fires in New York alone in 2023, causing 17 deaths. A wave of claims which had pushed many owners and other property management companies to ban the storage of electric bicycles and scooters home.
But that will undoubtedly soon be ancient history. An American company has found a solution to make batteries less dangerous for these machines. This is Nanotech Energy, which unveils its latest innovation in a press release just published. It takes the form of a new battery using 18650 cells, described as non-flammable.
But how is this possible? According to the California-based company, its design uses more robust materials, reducing the risk of fire in the event of a puncture or impact. This new battery then uses mainly grapheneknown as very reliable and already used in the transport industry in lithium-ion batteries.
More security
The new electrolyte considerably reduces the risk of explosion compared to a conventional accumulator. Additionally, this material allows for a higher charging speed, which could also be useful for automotive application. Graphene is also known for its structural stability, which has the effect of increasing its lifespan.
Nanotech Energy has combined this material with an innovative electrolyte, without giving further details at this time. According to the site Futuro Prossimothis new battery would be able to maintain its integrity up to 180 degrees celsiuswhile a video published by the company shows its resistance during a test during which it is hit by a 4.5 millimeter bullet.
For the moment, this accumulator is primarily intended for electric bikes, but it can also be used for medical or military use. It remains to be seen whether it will one day be implemented in electric cars, thereby further reducing the risk of fire. This would also avoid scrapping cars following a slight impact, as is sometimes the case at present. Indeed, many models do not allow check the condition of the battery after a small accident due to their design.