Here’s a stat to make EV fans smile: imagine driving 500 miles on a single charge and powering back up in just 12 minutes.
That’s exactly what a team at KAIST, working with LG Energy Solution, has been working toward.
Their research takes aim at the long-standing dendrite problem—those sharp lithium spikes that form inside lithium-metal batteries and cause safety issues. By developing a new liquid electrolyte that prevents dendrites, they’ve built a battery with some impressive numbers:
-
500 miles per charge
-
Over 186,000 miles of lifetime driving
-
Full recharge in just 12 minutes
So how does it work? The key is in the electrolyte design. The liquid electrolyte developed by KAIST researchers allows lithium ions to move more evenly during charging and discharging. This smooth ion flow stops dendrites from forming, which not only improves safety but also boosts efficiency and charging speed. Combined with the naturally high energy density of lithium-metal chemistry, the result is a battery that’s both long-lasting and capable of ultra-fast charging.
In battery terms, that’s the jump from “good enough” to “game-changer.”
This breakthrough could push EVs closer to gas-car convenience, giving drivers long range, fast charging, and safer, more efficient batteries.
Why It Matters
-
Less time at the charger: Long road trips without hours of waiting.
-
Longer battery lifespan: More than 186,000 miles of use before replacement.
-
Faster charging than ever: Forget 30 minutes—this tech points to 12-minute full charges.
Original Story: KAIST NEWS CENTER
