These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
For 30 years, graphite has played a key role in lithium-ion batteries, powering everything from small portable devices to electric vehicles. But now silicon is poised to take over, thanks to Sila Nanotechnologies’ innovative silicon powder. The California startup’s innovation took 10 years and 55,000 iterations, and has massive value for our battery-powered future: a silicon-based anode is about five times lighter and two times smaller than graphite-based anodes. That means smaller and more powerful batteries; Sila says its technology could increase a battery’s energy capacity by 20% to 40%. This year the company announced that it’s building a facility in Washington State to scale up production to support the auto industry.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
