Editorials

What Is Graphene The Material To Kickstart The Future Of EVs

Graphene, the wonder material first extracted in 2004, has been long touted as the next big thing in the world of science and technology. Its two-dimensional form could mean the advent of space-elevators, ultra-capacitors, intelligent eye-contacts, and everything in between.

Basically, graphene’s mass-production and adoption would mean a new era for humanity. Since its properties of strength and conductivity make it seemingly perfect for every kind of advancement in manufacturing.

However, for some reason, it hasn’t caught on. It’s not like it’s hard to make. In fact, those scientist who extracted it in 2004- earning a Nobel Prize- only used sticky tape and graphite.

Well, it is actually more complicated than that. Large amounts are hard to aquire, at least for now. There is hope, with a few new companies leading the way, and selling products like helmets and portable batteries, which are understandably uncommon.

In the above video by science-Youtuber, Matt Ferrell, he gives a very thorough explanation of the situation with Graphene. This summary really gives me hope for the future, which is desperately needed right about now.

I had no idea that there was a foreseeable way to turn used-tires into a material which could be used to make much lighter electric vehicles. If that seems like a leap, consider that batteries with graphene supplemented cells could have much faster recharge rates, higher capacities, and/ or lighter construction.

Then consider a car with graphene and polymer windows, instead of glass. That could cut massive amounts of weight from vehicles, without ever getting to the chassis or bodies of the vehicles. Those components seem much further down the line than batteries, which have greater interest from auto manufactures at the moment.

I’m a bit of a bull when it comes to technology, or else I couldn’t write these articles. But it’s hard to not daydream about lightweight EVs, that have all their specifications buffed from a new material. This could be the advent of a new era, the difference as great as the bronze to the steel age.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button