2023-08-15 14:04:05
The climate change alarm has been raised by scientists globally: current plans in several countries are not reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2050 and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to continue to decline. Taking into account that the transport sector contributes with 23% of global CO2 emissions and 39% GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Latin Americathe auto industry is driving the transition to electric vehicles (EV).
this approach eco-friendly is accelerating the biggest transformation the industry has seen since Ford rolled out the first assembly line nearly 100 years ago. However, according to a Estudo global do IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) despite automakers being very committed to switching to EVs (Electric Vehicles), the new batteries required for their operation are creating multiple challenges:
1. Battery performance – Automakers have made good progress in improving battery performance and energy density, which has resulted in longer ranges. However, battery performance deteriorates over time, so increasing the amount and speed of charges affects the battery life and residual value of EVs.
2. The scarcity of raw materials – Until 2030, the estimate is 5.4 million of electric vehicles in operation in Latin America. Batteries in today’s electric vehicles primarily use critical earth minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. As EV adoption continues to rise, material shortages might become another brake on the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
3. Or environmental impact – The environmental impacts of raw material supply, emissions during manufacturing and recycling of used batteries need to be addressed. However, the chemistry behind how batteries work is extremely complex and requires detailed models of molecular interactions that go beyond the limits of classical computing.
The future of EV batteries is quantum
Quantum computing exceeds the processing time constraints of classical computing in material simulation, which helps researchers avoid laborious, time-consuming, and expensive experimental methods. For this reason, some researchers are turning to quantum computing to potentially identify alternative, less expensive and more abundant materials that can be used to produce high-performance and more environmentally friendly batteries.
Quantum simulations can be used to more realistically simulate materials and their interactions with device operation, manufacturing processes and operating conditions, enabling a more productive experiment that requires less laboratory research and manufacturing development.
Mitsubishi Chemical, for example, is chasing the promise of lithium-oxygen batteries, which on paper appear to be substantially lighter and last longer on a single charge. The researchers seek to better understand the potential of lithium-oxygen as an energy source using new algorithms that take advantage of quantum computing.
Reducing carbon emissions through electric vehicles requires a systemic view that includes the value chain from the battery to the charging infrastructure. Those leaders who leverage advanced technologies and build robust ecosystems will be best positioned to achieve the speed of change needed to meet global net-zero emissions targets and leverage a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
IBM press office
Weber Shandwick
E-mail: [email protected]
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