Introduction
Methane, a simple hydrocarbon (CH₄), is abundant and can be sourced from both fossil fuels (natural gas) and renewable sources (biogas). It can be processed into hydrogen, carbon, and other compounds through methods such as pyrolysis and reforming, which can then be used to create EV battery components. This contribution can be reformed in the global biogas industry.
The global biogas industry is expected to develop at a compound yearly growth rate of around 5.2 percent between 2020 and 2030, reaching a market value of 86.7 billion US dollars by the end of the decade.
This data clearly shows an opportunity for the startups to bring about a change both in society and in the market.
An Oakland-based startup, Molten Industries, a startup backed by Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, has developed a specialized technique to break methane into graphite and hydrogen.
This article will deal with such possibilities that will answer whether methane-based EV batteries are a sustainable solution or a pipe dream.
Industries Progressing with Methane-Based EV Battery
Given here are some of the industries that are transforming the conventional battery market into a methane-based EV battery market.
Molten Industries: Transforming Methane into Graphite and Hydrogen
Molten Industries, a startup backed by Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures and funded in part by a $25 million Series A financing round, has developed a unique pyrolysis process that uses resistive heating to split methane into graphite and hydrogen without any CO2 emissions.
This process offers a potentially sustainable domestic source of graphite for EV batteries in the US, reducing reliance on imports from China, which controls about 75% of the global graphite anode supply chain.
Molten has already built a pilot reactor in Oakland and is constructing a commercial-scale unit that can produce 1,500 kg of graphite and 500 kg of hydrogen daily. The resulting synthetic graphite is expected to be cost-competitive with other sources and has lower emissions than graphite currently made from fossil fuel feedstocks.
However, the future demand for graphite from this source remains uncertain, as materials like silicon, lithium, and hard carbon may begin competing with graphite in battery anodes, potentially halving demand by 2035.
Lyten: Lithium-sulfur batteries from Methane
Another startup, Lyten, is also using methane as a feedstock to produce lithium-sulfur EV batteries. Lyten’s patented reactor technology transforms methane into a graphene-based material that can be used in lithium-sulfur battery cells. This approach aims to provide a more energy-dense and cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to offer higher energy density and lower costs compared to lithium-ion batteries, making them an attractive option for EV battery applications.
By using methane as a feedstock, Lyten aims to reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing these batteries further.
While this technology shows promise, it is still in the early stages of development and commercialization. The company will need to overcome challenges related to battery performance, safety, and scalability to bring its lithium-sulfur batteries to the EV battery market successfully.
Syzygy Plasmonics: Methane-Powered Fuel Cells for EV Charging
Syzygy Plasmonics, a Houston-based startup, is developing methane-powered fuel cells for EV charging stations. Their technology uses a photocatalytic process to convert methane into hydrogen, which is then used to generate electricity for charging EVs.
Syzygy’s approach aims to provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for EV battery charging infrastructure, particularly in areas where grid electricity is limited or expensive.
By using methane as a feedstock, the company also aims to reduce the environmental impact of EV battery charging compared to grid-powered solutions.
Syzygy has already built a pilot facility in Houston and is working with partners to deploy its technology at EV battery charging stations across the US. However, the company still faces challenges related to cost, efficiency, and regulatory hurdles in the EV battery charging market.
Comparison of Methane-Based EV Battery with Other Battery
As we see how methane-based EV batteries are gaining traction in the market, let us know how their popularity is increasing based on the following comparisons.
Lead-Acid Batteries
These are the traditional types of batteries used in most gasoline vehicles to start the engine. However, they are no longer used by EV battery manufacturers because they’re inefficient, susceptible to cold temperatures, and not durable compared to other types of EV batteries.
Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
After auto manufacturers phased out lead-acid batteries, NiMH batteries were often used as an alternative. But they didn’t become popular in the electric vehicle industry because they’re expensive and inefficient at high temperatures.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Most electric vehicles nowadays use lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and relatively low cost. This is because they’re lightweight with higher energy efficiency than lead-acid or NiMH batteries. They’re also less likely to overheat at high temperatures, which helps minimize the risks of a fire breaking out.
However, the extraction of lithium can have environmental and social impacts, and the supply chain is dominated by a few large players. Lithium-ion batteries are also more energy-intensive to produce than methane-based batteries, which could contribute to higher emissions during the production phase.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
FCEVs use hydrogen as a fuel source, which can be produced from methane through a process called steam methane reforming. This process also emits CO2, but the overall emissions profile of FCEVs can be lower than battery EVs if the electricity used to charge the batteries comes from non-renewable sources.
Also, FCEVs have a longer driving range and faster refueling times compared to battery EVs, but the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is still limited.
Key Takeaways
Methane-based EV batteries offer a promising sustainable solution for graphite production, but they face significant challenges related to emissions from feedstock production, market uncertainty, and scalability.
While they may not be the most environmentally friendly option currently, they could provide a cost-effective and reliable source of graphite in the future. The success of the methane-based EV battery market will depend on the development of a robust market for graphite and hydrogen production, as well as the ability to scale up production efficiently and sustainably.
Despite the promising advancements by companies like Molten Industries, Lyten, and Syzygy Plasmonics, challenges still need to be addressed in terms of scalability, market adoption, and environmental impact.