Can flow batteries finally beat lithium?
Flow batteries that store energy in liquid electrolytes are being pitched as a way to “refuel” electric vehicles in minutes, similar to gasoline, and potentially surpass lithium-ion batteries in energy density and cost. Commenters question whether the complexity of pumps, membranes, and fluid logistics could ever compete with today’s simple plug-in charging—which already serves most EV use cases—arguing that building a nationwide refueling network is likely infeasible. Many see the more realistic opportunity in stationary grid storage and seasonal energy buffering for solar and wind, where size and weight matter less and flow batteries’ scalability and long cycle life could be advantageous.
EV refueling with flow batteries
- Concept: “Nanoelectrofuel” in tanks; car drains spent fluid and takes charged fluid, enabling refuel times comparable to gasoline.
- Some argue this solves slow fast-charging and helps those who can’t charge at home.
- Others say it’s worse than current EV charging: more moving parts, fluid handling, and added complexity versus a plug.
- Critics note refueling might actually be much slower than gas if large volumes are required, and may require multiple nozzles for different fluids.
Energy density and technical characteristics
- Article claims much higher energy density than standard Li‑ion and very long cycle life.
- Skeptics highlight current concepts involving hundreds of liters of fluid and poor “miles per gallon” equivalents, questioning practicality for cars.
- Some note the tech is early; no guarantee it reaches automotive competitiveness.
Infrastructure and practicality
- Building a new liquid-fuel-like network is seen by several as economically infeasible compared with expanding existing electric charging and grid.
- Counterpoint: fluid can also be recharged on‑board or at stations via grid, reducing transport needs.
- Concerns about contamination of returned fluid and managing both charged and discharged volumes.
Home charging vs fast refueling
- Many emphasize that most EV charging is (or ideally should be) simple at‑home overnight charging, taking near‑zero attention.
- For people without dedicated parking or in dense housing, lack of home charging is a major constraint; they might benefit more from fast refuel models.
Stationary and grid storage
- Several argue flow batteries are best suited to stationary, large‑scale, or seasonal storage where size and weight matter less.
- Advantages cited: independent scaling of energy (tank size) vs power (electrode area), potentially lower cost and longer life.
- Round‑trip efficiency, actual costs, and small‑scale home implementations are discussed but remain unclear.
Cost and hype
- Article claims target costs slightly below current Li‑ion; commenters find this optimistic and lacking detail.
- Some see promise; others group it with many battery “breakthrough” announcements that never reach market.