Fisker today revealed its EMotion EV prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, a car whose maker claims will be powered by solid-state battery technology within five years.
According to the LA Times, Fisker believes its solid-state batteries will boost the EMotion's driving range by 25 per cent, to more than 800 km, while cutting charge times dramatically -- and for less money than it will take to make the lithium-ion batteries that will power the car at its promised 2019 launch.
Even without leading edge batteries to power it, the 780 hp Emotion promises a 260 km/h top speed, 0-96 km/h (60 mph) in less than three seconds and 600 km of driving range. Meanwhile, its 24-inch wheels and "butterfly" doors that open at wild angles (via smartphone!) ensure the car attracts attention when it's sitting still.
Fisker -- named for the company's founder, Henrik Fisker -- had a functional miniature example of a solid-state battery at its CES stand, but experts suggest his five-year timeframe is optimistic despite Fisker's claim the industry is closer to "maxing out" what it can do with existing battery technology.
Nevertheless, solid-state battery tech holds a lot of promise for reasons beyond driving range as it eliminates the volatile liquid chemicals in lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to overheating, explosion and fire if not handled properly.
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