Electric vehicles (EVs) are a fast-growing reality powered by decades of innovation in battery technology. As EV companies continue to ride this wave, the spotlight is now shifting to what lies ahead for EV batteries – and how these advancements will shape the next era of sustainable mobility.
A Look Back: From Lead-Acid to Lithium-Ion
The journey of EV batteries began long before Tesla and today’s market leaders. In 1900, electric vehicles outpaced gasoline cars on American roads, running on lead-acid batteries that surprisingly delivered ranges close to 100 miles. But as infrastructure improved and cars needed to go faster and farther, internal combustion engines took over, and EVs faded into the background.
Fast forward to the 1990s, when automakers reattempted electric mobility – first with lead-acid, then with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. These solutions were inadequate due to low energy density, offering limited range and performance.
The turning point came in the late 1990s with the introduction of lithium-ion batteries, which could store two to three times more energy than their predecessors. Quietly launched by a Japanese automaker, this advancement laid the groundwork for today’s EV boom.
Today’s Dominant Battery Chemistries
Contrary to common belief, lithium-ion isn’t one single battery type. It’s a category that includes various chemistries, each with unique trade-offs in cost, safety, and energy density.
Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) batteries are known for their high energy density but come with higher costs and ethical concerns due to cobalt sourcing.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, on the other hand, offer greater thermal stability and lower costs, though with slightly less energy storage.
Despite their differences, these two chemistries are dominating the market. According to S&P Global Mobility, NMC and LFP batteries are expected to power 94% of all light electric vehicles globally by 2024.
Battery Life Is Getting Better
EV battery longevity is also seeing major improvements. A recent Geotab study reported that battery degradation rates have slowed to just 1.8% annually—down from 2.3% in 2019. This trend suggests that EV batteries could now last over 20 years, easing long-standing concerns around durability.
VinFast and the EV Battery Race
Vietnamese automaker VinFast is leveraging these gains in real-time. With cutting-edge battery management systems, advanced warranties, and strategic R&D partnerships, VinFast is investing heavily in making EVs more affordable, reliable, and long-lasting. Their models, like the upcoming VF 7 electric SUV, are built on the promise of modern battery technologies with warranties extending up to 10 years.
What’s Next for EV Batteries?
The future of EV batteries goes far beyond lithium-ion. Two emerging technologies are poised to reshape the industry:
- Solid-State Batteries: These replace the liquid electrolyte with solid materials, potentially increasing energy density by 50–80% while significantly reducing fire risk. Several automotive and tech giants are racing to commercialize solid-state batteries in the next few years.
- Sodium-Ion Batteries: Offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, sodium-ion technology eliminates lithium and uses abundant sodium. While they have lower energy density, sodium-ion batteries perform exceptionally well in cold temperatures and offer improved safety profiles.
Both technologies are still in development but gaining momentum. As costs drop and performance scales up, EVs may soon outperform internal combustion vehicles not just in sustainability – but also in range, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Battery innovation is the driving force behind the EV revolution. With the rise of solid-state and sodium-ion technologies, the next generation of EVs promises to be safer, longer-lasting, and more accessible than ever before. For automakers like VinFast – and for consumers – the road ahead is not just electric – it’s transformational.
