Electric motorization is the ideal mode of propulsion for transport, but for a long time its development was hampered by the lack of sufficient on-board energy. Since 2010, the possibilities offered by high-capacity lithium-ion batteries have enabled automotive electric traction to really take off in mass production. Since then, developments in the technical and economic performance of this technology have brought the performance of electric and electrified vehicles closer to the expectations of a wider public.
This progress, based on electrochemistry and cell and battery engineering, is expected to continue for a few more years, accompanying a major shift in the automotive industry. On the other hand, lithium-ion's asymptote in terms of energy density and cost now seems to be taking shape from the 2025s onwards. Are we there yet ? Are other breakthroughs on the horizon ?
In addition, there are a number of questions that could also put the brakes on the exponential growth of electrical energy storage. These concern access to raw and refined materials, the stabilized cost of these materials, and the environmental impact of mass battery manufacture. It is now important to combine scientific research with real long-term thinking.
