A groundbreaking innovation in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology could soon make it possible to travel 500 miles on a single charge — and recharge the battery in just 12 minutes. Scientists have achieved this milestone using a new chemical process that overcomes one of the biggest challenges in developing lithium-metal batteries.
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use graphite for the anode, lithium-metal batteries replace graphite with pure lithium metal. This change significantly increases energy density, allowing batteries to store much more power relative to their size and weight. For drivers, that means faster charging times and extended driving ranges, but such designs have long been hindered by a persistent technical flaw — dendrites.
Dendrites are microscopic, branch-like structures that form on the lithium anode during charging. Over time, they degrade performance, reduce battery life, and can even lead to dangerous short circuits. These structures worsen during rapid charging, making high-speed EV charging both inefficient and unsafe.
However, a recent study published on September 3 in the journal Nature Energy reveals a major breakthrough. Researchers have developed a new “cohesion-inhibiting” liquid electrolyte that prevents dendrite formation, allowing lithium-metal batteries to maintain high performance even during ultra-fast charging.
In this system, the new electrolyte helps lithium ions deposit evenly across the anode surface, avoiding the weak points that typically lead to dendrite growth. The result is a safer and more durable battery capable of maintaining its performance over 185,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) of use.
During laboratory testing, the advanced battery charged from 5% to 70% in only 12 minutes and retained that speed for more than 350 charge cycles. A higher-capacity version achieved 80% charge in 17 minutes across 180 cycles — performance metrics that far exceed current lithium-ion standards.
Lead researcher Hee Tak Kim, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), said the discovery could redefine the future of electric mobility. “This research has overcome the biggest barrier to introducing lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles,” he stated. “It lays a key foundation for understanding and controlling interfacial structures within advanced energy systems.”
If commercialized, this technology could transform the global EV market, enabling long-distance travel and ultra-fast charging that would rival the convenience of traditional fuel-based vehicles. The innovation also represents a crucial step toward a sustainable, high-performance future for electric transportation.
