Scientists develop battery lasting ten times longer
Engineers at MIT have created a new battery technology that could extend the life of electric vehicle batteries by a factor of ten. The innovation relies on a novel electrolyte design tested in laboratory conditions. This breakthrough promises significant advancements in renewable energy storage.
On September 27, 2025, a team of researchers led by Dr. Jane Smith at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced a major advancement in battery technology. The new design features an innovative electrolyte that enables batteries to withstand up to 5,000 charge cycles, compared to the typical 500 cycles of current lithium-ion batteries.
The study, detailed in a recent ScienceDaily release, highlights how the electrolyte prevents degradation during repeated charging and discharging. 'This could change everything for electric vehicles,' Dr. Smith stated in the announcement. The technology was developed over three years, with initial prototypes showing a tenfold increase in lifespan under simulated real-world conditions.
Background context reveals that battery longevity has been a key barrier to widespread electric vehicle adoption. Current batteries often lose capacity after a few hundred cycles, leading to higher replacement costs and environmental concerns from disposal. This new approach addresses those issues by enhancing chemical stability without increasing production costs significantly.
Testing involved over 1,000 cycles in lab settings, where the battery maintained 90% capacity. While still in early stages, the researchers plan to scale up for commercial testing within the next two years. Implications extend beyond vehicles to grid storage for renewables, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
No conflicting reports were noted, as this is the first public disclosure of the technology. The work builds on prior electrolyte research but introduces a unique polymer blend for improved ion flow.