While range anxiety really isn’t much of an issue for moden electric cars, some sceptics still insist it’s a big deal. But a new battery from US tech firm One Next Energy (One) could end any fears once and for all.
The One Gemini is a proof-of-concept battery that the firm says can travel a whopping 752 miles without recharging.
Using a Tesla Model S with a retrofitted Gemini battery onboard, One tested the vehicle across Michigan in late December with an average speed of 55mph. One claims that results from the test were validated by a third part using a vehicle dynamometer, where the Tesla ran for 882 miles at a speed of 55mph.
The Gemini battery is the same size as those fitted in a regular Model S, with One claiming that the key difference is the use of a higher-capacity battery. While a regular Model S battery is 103.9kWh, the prototype Gemini unit can reportedly store 207.3kWh of energy.
One has not detailed the exact technology underpinning the prototype Gemini battery, but it centres on the use of different materials and chemicals within the unit. It is understood One uses a proprietary cathode material that makes use of a greater volume of manganese, among other materials.
"The Gemini battery aims to eliminate range as a barrier to electric vehicle adoption by doubling the available energy on board in the same package space," said company boss Mujeeb Ijaz.
“We are focused on evolving this proof-of-concept battery into a new product called Gemini, which will enable long distance trips on a single charge while improving cost and safety using sustainable materials."