Fill Up Your Electric Car Tank with Aluminum

Electric cars are a fantastic innovation. No pollution, no fossil fuel consumption, and the government even gives you a tax break for owning one. The sticking point for widespread adoption of electric cars has, thus far, been the batteries that power the vehicles. Most batteries aren’t good for more than 100 miles of travel, and that at a fairly sedate pace of around 50 mph.

Israeli startup Phinergy claims to have a solution to the battery conundrum. The company’s metal-air battery system uses aluminum, air (specifically oxygen) and water to create battery which, according to Phinergy, can power an electronic car for up to 1,000 miles.

“Phinergy’s technology has made it possible for the world to enjoy the vast advantages of metal-air.” said Aviv Tzidon, Phinergy founder and CEO. “[The technology offers] Ultra high energy density, zero CO₂ emission, sustainability, fully recyclable materials.”

The metal-air battery works by using aluminum plate as the anode, and normal air flow as the cathode. The aluminum deteriorates over time as its molecules combine with oxygen to produce energy. According to the company, a single aluminum plate in the battery can provide enough power for around 20 miles of travel, and each battery contains 50 plates.

Below you’ll find a video about the battery.

Source: Green Car Reports