batterytechnology

In the coming decades, electric vehicles will dominate the roads and renewables will provide energy to homes. But for the green transition to be successful, unprecedented amounts of energy storage is needed. Batteries will be used everywhere—from powering electric vehicles, to providing electricity when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. The current generation of batteries are lacking in capacity and are too reliant on rare metals, though. Many analysts worry about material shortages. How can technology help? 

Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor. Contributors: Paul Markillie, our innovation editor; Matthieu Favas, our finance correspondent; Anjani Trivedi, our global business correspondent. 

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After a huge false start, electric cars are finally about to flourish. We speak with a technology historian about this all-too-common story, and what it means for innovation everywhere.

In case you missed this episode on the Playing with Science channel… Race down the track with hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice as they explore the electrifying world of Formula E alongside DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird, adventure journalist Jim Clash, and Williams Advanced Engineering Technical Director Paul McNamara. Batteries Included.
NOTE: StarTalk All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://www.startalkradio.net/all-access/the-electrifying-world-of-formula-e/
Photo Credit: Shivraj Gohil, courtesy of DS Virgin Racing.