Zinc-air batteries and electric vehicles

  • Noah Alexander Fiene (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

The effects of climate change are as severe as never before, thereby pressuring governments and communities alike to take concrete measures to mitigate its impact. Recognizing the contribution of transport emissions to global warming has led to a shift towards electric mobility. However, the poster child of electric vehicle batteries – lithium-ion battery – is not as unflawed as it likes you to believe. Plagued by sustainability concerns, the question arises whether there is an alternative to the lithium-ion battery. This thesis compares and contrasts a zinc-air battery with a lithium-ion battery, to assess its viability to power electric vehicles. While zinc offers abundant resources and enhanced safety, technical hurdles hinder its commercial adoption. Expert insights have confirmed that zinc-air batteries have great potential for a number of applications, but technical challenges must be overcome before ZABs can be made commercial. Market penetration is likely to begin within this decade, targeting smaller vehicle segments such as two- and three-wheelers. In 10-15 years, full market penetration across all vehicles is expected.
Date of Award16 Oct 2023
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorPeter V. Rajsingh (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Zinc-air batteries
  • Lithium-ion battery
  • Electric vehicles
  • Mobility
  • Climate change
  • Transportation emissions
  • Sustainability
  • Technical challenges

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão e Administração de Empresas

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