A novel water-based battery is safer than lithium at half the cost

And it has “lithium-like performance”.

Derya Ozdemir
A novel water-based battery is safer than lithium at half the cost

A Boston-area startup called Alsym Energy has introduced a rechargeable battery that could potentially match the performance of lithium-ion batteries at a fraction of the price. 

In addition to using inexpensive, easily accessible materials like manganese and metal oxide, the novel battery is based on water, according to an initial report from Fast Company.

This means it avoids some of the main drawbacks of current batteries, such as the potential for lithium-ion battery fires and the negative impact of mining on the environment. And thanks to the use of non-toxic materials, the novel battery design is simpler to recycle, which is always a bonus.

Meeting expectations at reduced cost

Electric vehicles are becoming more important as the world’s nations step up their efforts to decarbonize the grid. That’s because they can aid in decarbonizing both transportation and supply of electricity through reduced tailpipe emissions and offer flexibility. Naturally, many automakers are tapping into the market by producing luxurious EVs; however, the expensive price tag remains to be a problem to this day. The costs are partly due to the lithium-ion batteries that are used in electric vehicles, which are too costly for making EVs that can compete in price tag with cars that run on fossil fuels.

This is where Alsym Energy, which recently emerged from stealth and secured $32 million from investors, comes in. With its first partner being an automaker in India, the startup wants to make it possible for manufacturers to produce cheaper electric vehicles, according to a press release.

“Our motivation was to make it affordable, so that it could be widely deployed as opposed to niche,” Mukesh Chatter, CEO and co-founder of the startup, told Fast Company

The Alsym Energy’s batteries are inexpensive enough that they might be used in developing countries to store off-grid solar power. This is especially crucial for individuals who do not currently have access to energy.

What makes the novel battery so special? 

The water-based battery makes use of other affordable, easily accessible components like manganese and metal oxide. Crucially, it does not contain cobalt, an expensive critical component of lithium batteries that also contributes to supply-chain health and environmental issues. It also doesn’t use lithium, which presents additional mining difficulties. This is incredibly important as lithium has seen a price increase recently and is anticipated to drive up the price of other batteries.

According to the team behind Alsym Energy, the new design has “lithium-like performance”. But unlike the latter, Alsym Energy’s batteries are not flammable. This saves money as it doesn’t require special protection to avoid fires and gives the batteries additional applications, such as use in ships, where the industry is particularly concerned about fire risk.

If all goes to plan, Alsym Energy will start beta testing with its first customers in early 2023, with high-volume production beginning as early as 2025. The novel battery design will surely make waves globally; however, the company’s priority is to first make it affordable in low-income regions. 

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