Everywhere you go, people are “plugged in” ­­–– from laptops to cell phones and tablets. Did you know that much of the battery research that makes these technologies possible started at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and our national labs?

Commercially released in 1991, lithium-ion batteries safely and affordably store energy for many applications. As DOE’s research and development (R&D) continues to expand, a new generation of more affordable, more powerful batteries may provide critical advancements to transportation and our electricity grid. As part of Battery Day (February 18th), we’re celebrating DOE’s accomplishments and innovations.

DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) is especially excited about lithium-ion battery technologies, and beyond lithium-ion innovations. If you’re not familiar with how these innovations function – be sure to check out our previous blog to learn “How Does a Lithium-Ion Battery Work?”

VTO’s research has brought the cost of lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles down by 80% over the last 10 years. We continue to look ahead and push the envelope, with goals to increase EV battery range to 300 miles, and reduce the time it take to change to 15 minutes or less.

To make these goals a reality, VTO’s Battery500 program focuses on the next generation of batteries. Researchers at four of DOE National Laboratories and five universities are developing lithium-metal batteries that have almost triple the "specific energy"— or the amount energy packed into a battery based on its weight—found in the batteries that power today's electric vehicles.

On Friday, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Daniel Simmons announced the launch of DOE’s Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize and the dedication of the ReCell Battery Recycling R&D Center at Argonne National Lab.

This is an exciting time for battery technology. Our progress over the past decade has been significant, but the potential is vast. DOE’s future research will focus on developing new battery designs that are stronger, more affordable, and longer lasting, as well as more readily available and reliable.