A professor at the University of Dalhousie University published a paper in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (JES) claiming that Tesla may soon have a battery that makes their robot taxis and long-haul electric trucks viable.

Prof Jeff Dahn and his research group are Tesla’s battery research partner.

“Cells of this type should be able to power an electric vehicle for over one million miles and last at least two decades in grid energy storage,” said Prof Dahn.

Dahn and his research team used a cathode material from the family of Ni-rich NCM cathode materials that has a specific capacity 20% higher than that of the cathodes used in Li-ion batteries widely found in mobile electronic devices. The cathode material, or NCM 523 (50% Nickel, 20% Cobalt, 30% Manganese) is stable and an excellent reference and starting point for further developments. Other key components explored were graphite anodes and blends of solvents, additives and salt for the electrolyte solutions.

The energy density of the team’s batteries is not higher than advanced Li-ion batteries at this stage, but the goal of the study was to provide a reliable benchmark and reference for Li-ion battery technology. Based on the study, it is expected that Li-ion batteries will soon be developed that make driving over 500 kilometers (over 300 miles) from charge to charge possible.