Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

October 28, 2022 · by John W. Howell · in TGIF · 88 Comments

Today’s Good New story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.

Credit: EC Power.

Battery Tech Breakthrough Paves the way for Mass Adoption of Affordable/Fast Charging Electric Cars

–Oct 25, 2022

A breakthrough in electric vehicle fast-charging battery design from Penn State has enabled a 10-minute charge time for a typical EV battery.

The record-breaking combination of a shorter charge time and more energy required for longer travel range came from heating the battery to a Goldilocks Zone which has proven difficult for engineers thus far.

Their findings are hoped to accelerate the sale of EVs, and were announced on October 12th, in the journal Nature.

“The need for smaller, faster-charging batteries is greater than ever,” said Chao-Yang Wang, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State and lead author on the study.

“There are simply not enough batteries and critical raw materials, especially those produced domestically, to meet anticipated demand.”

In August, California’s Air Resources Board passed an extensive plan to restrict and ultimately ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars within the state. By 2035, the largest auto market in the United States will effectively retire the internal combustion engine.

If new car sales are going to shift to battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs), Wang explained, they’ll need to overcome two major drawbacks: they are too slow to recharge and too large to be efficient and affordable. Instead of taking a few minutes at the gas pump, depending on the battery, some EVs can take all day to recharge.

“Our fast-charging technology works for most energy-dense batteries and will open a new possibility to downsize electric vehicle batteries from 150 to 50 kWh without causing drivers to feel range anxiety,” said Wang, whose lab partnered with State College-based startup EC Power to develop the technology.

“The smaller, faster-charging batteries will dramatically cut down battery cost and usage of critical raw materials such as cobalt, graphite, and lithium, enabling mass adoption of affordable electric cars.”

The technology relies on internal thermal modulation, an active method of temperature control to demand the best performance possible from the battery, Wang explained.

Batteries operate most efficiently when they are hot, but not too hot. Keeping batteries consistently at just the right temperature has been a major challenge for battery engineers. Historically, they have relied on external, bulky heating and cooling systems to regulate battery temperature, which respond slowly and waste a lot of energy.

Wang and his team decided to instead regulate the temperature from inside the battery. The researchers developed a new battery structure that adds an ultrathin nickel foil as the fourth component besides anode, electrolyte, and cathode.

Acting as a stimulus, the nickel foil self-regulates the battery’s temperature and reactivity which allows for 10-minute fast charging on just about any EV battery, Wang explained.

“True fast-charging batteries would have immediate impact,” the researchers write. “Since there are not enough raw minerals for every internal combustion engine car to be replaced by a 150 kWh-equipped EV, fast charging is imperative for EVs to go mainstream.”

The study’s partner, EC Power, is working to manufacture and commercialize the fast-charging battery for an affordable and sustainable future of vehicle electrification.

The good news here is that just maybe electric vehicles will be viable for the mass population. Today’s JohnKu talks about technology. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

When it seems doubtful,

The old saw kicks in hardest. . .

Necessity rocks.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, The Last Drive

88 comments

Sorryless · October 28, 2022 - 4:08 am ·

Invention really is a mother.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:09 am ·
  
  😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · October 28, 2022 - 4:26 am ·

Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

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1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:09 am ·
  
  Thank you for sharing, Michael. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · October 28, 2022 - 4:28 am ·

Great news, even though i would wish human brains (at least some of them) wouldd able to be charged faster with knowledge. 😉 Thanks, John! Have a nice day! xx Michael

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:10 am ·
  
  I think we all wish the same, Michael. Have a good one too.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · October 28, 2022 - 3:20 pm ·
    
    Thanks, John! xx Michael
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 3:54 pm ·
    
    😁
    
    LikeLike
Dale · October 28, 2022 - 4:39 am ·

Until we get to the point where I don’t have to worry about going for an 8-hour drive, I ain’t touching the things… This is a wonderful step in the right direction.
Happy Friday, John.

LikeLiked by 4 people
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:11 am ·
  
  The sad thing right now is the mandates (like in California) are impossible without some technological breakthrough. Maybe this is it. Thanks, Dale.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · October 28, 2022 - 7:46 am ·
    
    There are some here. Pretty much the same timeline. Let’s hope it is.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:37 pm ·
    
    😁 Yes, let’s hope.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  3. Dale · October 28, 2022 - 3:46 pm ·
    
    🤞
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  4. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 3:50 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt · October 28, 2022 - 5:20 am ·

I’m with Dale. This is a good thing, but nothing happens overnight. I certainly wouldn’t want to call 911 for a loved one and be told the ambulance is being charged. I worry enough about keeping my phone charged in case of emergencies. Enjoy your Friday, John!

LikeLiked by 3 people
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Good point, Jill. Hope your Friday goes well. 😁
  
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Charles Yallowitz · October 28, 2022 - 5:21 am ·

That’s awesome. Hope that works out and then we get the countrywide infrastructure to make long distance trips more viable.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:13 am ·
  
  Wouldn’t want to be caught in the desert with a dead battery. Thanks, Charles.
  
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harmonykentonline · October 28, 2022 - 5:47 am ·

This is a huge breakthrough. Thanks for sharing, John. Over here, we’re finding different manufacturers are using different charging plugs, which seems crazy. Hopefully, the next development will see one universal connector. Love the JohnKu. Have a wonderful weekend 💕🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:15 am ·
  
  That is crazy, Harmony. You would think a universal connector would be mandatory. I hope your weekend is all peace and quiet. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · October 28, 2022 - 6:43 am ·

They keep making progress, and they’ll figure it out eventually. This is good news.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:16 am ·
  
  That’s why I believe necessity will drive the development. Thanks, Craig.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Staci Troilo · October 28, 2022 - 6:51 am ·

It’s always exciting when we take a big step in a positive direction. Thanks for sharing, John.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:16 am ·
  
  Yes, it is. Thank you, Staci. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. Tom · October 28, 2022 - 10:33 am ·
  
  It’s all Bologna. Just give me 10 gallons and clean my windshield. I want no part of the electric-anything like this.
  Call me old fashioned. But we have enough coal/fossil fuels to last 100 lifetimes.
  My rant is over
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:26 pm ·
    
    Thank you, Tom. Good rant.
    
    LikeLike
Gwen M. Plano · October 28, 2022 - 7:16 am ·

This is hopeful news, John. Thank you for sharing. And you’re right about necessity, it drives innovation. I love your Friday inspirational posts! 😊

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:24 am ·
  
  Aw thank you, Gwen. I like to put them together. Makes a nice ending for the week. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. 🤗
  
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Liz Gauffreau · October 28, 2022 - 7:19 am ·

It’s good to hear of a research breakthrough for greater adoption of cars that won’t damage the planet as much as gasoline-powered cars.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 7:25 am ·
  
  Yes I think it is about time too. Thanks, Liz.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Liz Gauffreau · October 28, 2022 - 8:16 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:35 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · October 28, 2022 - 7:38 am ·

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around electronic cars. This sounds like a step in the right direction.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:38 pm ·
  
  I think it is but we will see. Thanks, Joan
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
rabirius · October 28, 2022 - 7:43 am ·

My car is about 5 cm long and can be moved by hand. No energy needed. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:37 pm ·
  
  Ha ha ha.
  
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Dan Antion · October 28, 2022 - 7:59 am ·

2035 is a long time away for an industry that’s evolving as fast as this one is. This is a great step in the right direction.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:35 pm ·
  
  I think so too, Dan
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Michele Jones · October 28, 2022 - 8:20 am ·

This is a great step forward for the EV industry. Have a great weekend.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:34 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Michele. Have a great weekend as well.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
noelleg44 · October 28, 2022 - 8:50 am ·

This is a step forward. When this technology becomes widely available, the problem will become charging stations! And of course, we still need power from some source for the charging.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:33 pm ·
  
  Clean electricity is a long way off too.
  
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  1. noelleg44 · October 29, 2022 - 9:12 am ·
    
    I agree. I think this administration is moving way too fast and putting us at a real disadvantage on several levels. We have to give the technology time to catch up!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 10:38 am ·
    
    We now are an oil importer when we used to be self sufficient.
    
    LikeLike
D. Wallace Peach · October 28, 2022 - 9:58 am ·

Human ingenuity is amazing, and it seems to step up just in time. Great news, John. Things are going to change rapidly in the auto industry over the next ten years. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the good news.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:30 pm ·
  
  Let’s hope it will help. Thanks, Diana.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
walkingoffthechessboard · October 28, 2022 - 10:35 am ·

It is a promising step. I don’t know what the immediate future holds for these vehicles actually becoming mainstream, but this certainly addresses a critical aspect that surely needed to be resolved in order for them to be more appealing. Good news, John.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:26 pm ·
  
  How to generate clean power is another problem that needs to be resolved.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · October 28, 2022 - 10:38 am ·

The progress is encouraging, but we’re a long way off before many of us will buy into the technology. I know I’d hate getting stranded in the middle of a corn or soybean field, waiting on help that’s being charged. And some states, particularly Montana and Texas, are so big that EVs aren’t practical without charging stations being spaced closer together.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:25 pm ·
  
  So true, Debbie. We are a ways off.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
D.L. Finn, Author · October 28, 2022 - 11:16 am ·

When forced we seem to come up with answers.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:51 pm ·
  
  So true, Denise.
  
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T. W. Dittmer · October 28, 2022 - 11:58 am ·

I’m neutral about EVs, and this is a step forward. Necessity does seem to drive innovation.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 2:24 pm ·
  
  It seems that way. Thanks, Tim
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan C · October 28, 2022 - 3:25 pm ·

John, this is great news. Unlike the comment from Tom, it’s not a matter of fossil fuel availability it’s a matter of the global warming that fossil fuel is creating. Oh, wait a minute, it’s fossil fuel that generates the power to charge your EV. I guess I’m conflicted on this issue.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 3:53 pm ·
  
  The power generation issue has not been solved for sure. Thanks, Dan
  
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  1. Tom · October 28, 2022 - 5:33 pm ·
    
    I think there is an answer.
    Nuclear and oil.
    Perhaps I’m wrong
    It’s definitely not electric since it comes from OTHER sources
    Oh well, it’s late I think I’ll have a drink and ponder ……
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 5:56 pm ·
    
    🙄
    
    LikeLike
Teri Polen · October 28, 2022 - 5:29 pm ·

A shorter charging time sure sounds promising. Have a great weekend, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 28, 2022 - 5:56 pm ·
  
  You as well, Teri
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
petespringerauthor · October 28, 2022 - 6:59 pm ·

I’m glad to hear improvements are on the way. I only own a hybrid, but it seems the use of electric vehicles will continue to grow. Like all newer technology, I expect improvements will continue to happen.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 7:09 am ·
  
  I believe you are right. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · October 29, 2022 - 2:58 am ·

That is a breakthrough John and certainly if all the countries touting the deadline are to make it then batteries are going to need to be much better than today. Hopefully they will make similar breakthroughs on providing the energy to charge the batteries by then too… terrific share hugsx

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 7:11 am ·
  
  I think a full solution is needed. Not just the end user model. Thanks, Sally.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
markbierman · October 29, 2022 - 6:43 am ·

It sounds like their overcoming the major obstacles for ushering in the electric car era. Truth is, electric cars were out over a hundred years ago, but gas won out. Can you imagine where we’d be right now, if the reverse had been true?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 7:26 am ·
  
  It is fun to imagine. The big problem would be how to generate enough power for all those cars. Maybe that would have been solved too.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. markbierman · October 29, 2022 - 11:03 am ·
    
    I think we may have seen greener technologies come out sooner.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 11:49 am ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
quiall · October 29, 2022 - 12:05 pm ·

Necessity is the mother of invention, and will is the father.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 2:07 pm ·
  
  I like that, Pamela. Thanks. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. ParentingIsFunny · October 30, 2022 - 8:49 pm ·
  
  I like this response. Since I read it, I can’t come up with anything better. Thanks for the good news, as always, John. 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2022 - 7:11 am ·
    
    Thank you, Betsy.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
Baydreamer - Lauren Scott · October 29, 2022 - 2:00 pm ·

Good news in the right direction. Thanks for sharing, John. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 29, 2022 - 2:14 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Lauren.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
tracikenworth · October 30, 2022 - 6:35 am ·

Still seems way off in science fiction for these types of vehicles but someday may be here faster than we think.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 30, 2022 - 7:09 am ·
  
  I think so, Traci. Thanks. 😊
  
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Jan Sikes · October 30, 2022 - 8:41 pm ·

Most interesting, John. I do think electric cars are our future. I don’t own one, but my daughter and son-in-law do, and they love bypassing the gas stations these days. Thanks for sharing.

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Cats Rule! by Traci Kenworth – A Dash of Words with Loleta Abi Romance Author · October 31, 2022 - 6:02 am ·

[…] Howell: https://johnwhowell.com/2022/10/28/friday-johnku-aka-tgif-fri-yay-goodnews-4/ A breakthrough in electric vehicle fast-charging battery design from Penn State has enabled a […]

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1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2022 - 7:28 am ·
  
  Thank you
  
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Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews – kaelos · October 31, 2022 - 10:28 am ·

[…] Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews […]

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Resa · October 31, 2022 - 2:32 pm ·

Progress!!! Yay!!!!

Like your JohnKu, lots.
“The old saw kicks in hardest. . .” Is that an old saying? Or did you make it up?
OXOXOX

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · October 31, 2022 - 2:39 pm ·
  
  The old saying is necessity is the mother of invention. It’s a real saying 🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · October 31, 2022 - 2:50 pm ·
    
    Yes… I sure have a knack missing the obvious. OXOXOX
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · October 31, 2022 - 2:52 pm ·
    
    Still terrific though. 🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋
    
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Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – November 7th 2022 – Pete Springer, Judith Barrow with Jane Risdon, Patty Fletcher, Robbie Cheadle, John Howell. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine · November 6, 2022 - 6:11 pm ·

[…] Head over to read about this development: John Howell – Good News TGIF Friday […]

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1. John W. Howell · November 6, 2022 - 7:32 pm ·
  
  Thank you so much for the feature, Sally.
  
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dgkaye · November 7, 2022 - 5:46 pm ·

This is very good news John. Still a ways to go to perfection, but a great beginning. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · November 7, 2022 - 7:53 pm ·
  
  Yes it is. Thanks, Debby.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person