Tag Archives: chemical

Electric Vehicles

Does Cold Weather Help or Harm Tesla Batteries? This New Study Provides the Answer

When the temperature drops, the rate of chemical reactions in battery cells also decreases. This decrease in temperature can lead to lithium plating, a common form of battery degradation caused by high-current charging in low temperatures. Lithium plating is considered the most severe aging process in Li-ion batteries and significantly reduces the amount of usable lithium.

On the other hand, hot temperatures have a harsher impact on EV batteries. Not only does heat accelerate chemical degradation, but the added strain of cooling the car further shortens the battery’s lifespan and driving range. This is why Tesla cars tend to maintain a closer range to their advertised specifications in colder climates compared to hot and humid environments.

The recent study also praises Tesla cars for their efficient thermal system, which activates based on external temperature variations. Interestingly, this system is active at all times, not just when the car is being charged. Specifically, the passive cooling system is always operational and helps protect the battery during low-temperature conditions.

News, Smartphones

The iPhone 15 Pro Color Options Are Going To Upset Some People

Apple’s decision to use titanium as the material for its premium phones, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, is likely to upset some people. Titanium is a natural element known for its high resistance to chemical erosion and its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it an obvious choice for Apple. Not only does titanium offer superior qualities compared to stainless steel, but it is also lighter.

In recent years, gold has been a popular color option for the stainless steel finish of iPhones, starting with the iPhone XS in 2018. However, with the switch to titanium, Apple will no longer offer a gold color option. Instead, Apple plans to showcase the natural beauty of titanium with a titanium gray option. Apple’s rationale seems to be that if they are using the best material available, there is no need to hide it. The titanium iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max will also likely come in space black and silver colors.

Although fans of purple and gold may be disappointed to learn that these colors may be discontinued, the introduction of a new dark blue option and the stronger, lighter titanium build may provide some consolation. It is important to note that titanium is more expensive than stainless steel, so it remains to be seen how this change will impact the cost of the iPhone 15 Pro. However, we won’t have to wait long to find out. Soon, we will get a closer look at the new color options available for the iPhone 15 lineup.

Technology

Reason Behind Lithium Batteries Catching Fire: Explained

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can catch fire due to a chemical process called thermal runaway. In simpler terms, thermal runaway happens when something causes a spark inside the battery’s casing, leading to a chain reaction that eventually causes the casing to explode. This explosion can start a fire, and if the battery is near flammable materials, the fire can spread rapidly.

Why does thermal runaway occur? Li-ion battery casings are airtight and hold electro-conductive gases and chemicals. If the casing gets physically damaged or overheated from improper charging, the gases are vaporized, causing the case to expand. Once the case reaches a critical point, it ruptures and releases flammable fumes that can ignite violently. For example, if the battery is in a smartphone, the phone would likely explode.