Solid State Batteries Containing Silver Could Power the EV Transition
Solid-state batteries equipped with silver could power the global transition to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) while dramatically reshaping global silver markets. If just 20% of electric vehicles adopt this technology, demand could jump by 16,000 metric tons annually against current mining output of approximately 25 million kilograms. This potential spike comes as industrial consumption already outstrips supply. The technology delivers compelling advantages over current lithium-ion batteries. Prototypes using silver-carbon composites reach energy densities around 500 Wh/kg, nearly double the 270 Wh/kg typical of conventional lithium-ion EV batteries. Some designs can complete charging cycles in less than 10 minutes and maintain performance for up to 20 years. These batteries also…