Challenges and Opportunities for Fast-Charging Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have dominated the markets of portabledevices,electric vehicles, and grid storage. However, the increased safetyconcerns, range anxiety, and the mismatch between charging time andexpectations resulted in a severe hampering of their applicationsin electric vehicles (EVs). This Perspective focuses on the limitingfactors and the recent progress of fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.The limiting factors are discussed from the materials, electrolytes,electrodes, cells, packs, systems, charging stations, and safety issuesincluding the potential impact of fast charging on thermal runawaycharacteristics. Then, performance optimization strategies from multiscalesfor fast charging are reviewed. In particular, the key to future fast-chargingtechnologies lies in high-voltage charging techniques and advancedthermal management systems. These technologies can achieve both fastcharging and uniform temperature distribution. Finally, the technologicalgaps are identified and suggestions are made for future research direction,emphasizing the necessity of developing advanced on-board methodsto detect battery resistance and temperature rises with intelligentcharging algorithms, which are viewed as the basis of fast charging.

Automated summary

Lithium-ion batteries dominate in the markets of portable devices, electric vehicles, and grid storage but face limitations in terms of safety, range anxiety, and charging time. This Perspective discusses the factors limiting fast-charging lithium-ion batteries and reviews recent progress. Performance optimization strategies for fast charging are explored, with a focus on high-voltage charging techniques and advanced thermal management systems. The article highlights the importance of developing advanced on-board methods for detecting battery resistance and temperature rises as the basis of fast charging.