Is Tesla’s Elon Musk Making Good On Prediction That Capacitors ‘Supersede’ Batteries? (Update)

The future on the internal combustion engine

UPDATE Maxwell touts itself as a global leader in the energy storage industry and points to its ultracapacitors as evidence thereof. The company claims that its newly developed lithium-ion ultracapacitors boast the advantages of capacitors—high energy density, quick charge and discharge, and low degradation—but also larger storage capacities, comparable to that of a battery. At a commercialized, EV-ready scale, this technology could decrease charge times, have a longer service life than a traditional lithium-ion battery, resist overheating during heavy charge or discharge, and be capable of greater energy output.

"We have developed and transformed our patented, proprietary and fundamental dry electrode manufacturing technology that we have historically used to make ultracapacitors to create a breakthrough technology that can be applied to the manufacturing of batteries," stated Maxwell in a release. "Our ultracapacitor products provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation, renewable energy, and information technology."

Dry battery electrode technology is another development of which Maxwell brags. The company's wording seemingly implies that it has a solid-state battery near commercial readiness, as current lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, though this does not rule out lithium-polymer batteries, which have polymer electrolytes.

We have talked about Supercapacitors for years now. Elon Musk, always one step ahead of his competitors

02/05/19 At a 2011 Cleantech Forum in San Francisco, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was quoted saying that the future of electric vehicles wouldn't be powered by lithium-ion,

If I were to make a prediction, I'd think there's a good chance that it is not batteries. But capacitors."

Today he may be making good on his prediction. The electric vehicle manufacturer confirmed that it has acquired a small San Diego lab that owns ultracapacitor patents and technology.

Maxwell Technologies provides dry electrode manufacturing technology that can be used to make to make batteries that power electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The company announced that in an all-stock transaction it will merge and become a wholly owned by a subsidiary of Tesla.

"We are very excited with today's announcement that Tesla has agreed to acquire Maxwell. Tesla is a well-respected and world-class innovator that shares a common goal of building a more sustainable future," said Dr. Franz Fink, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maxwell. "We believe this transaction is in the best interests of Maxwell stockholders and offers investors the opportunity to participate in Tesla's mission of accelerating the advent of sustainable transport and energy."

The lithium-ion batteries currently used in electric vehicles are expensive and heavy, and heavy vehicles that consumers prefer to give them a driving range that rivals conventional gasoline tanks often makes them cost-prohibitive (think: $130,000 Model X). But ultracapacitors could be the key that solves this problem. Forbes