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Environmental sustainability

Electric Vehicles Can Achieve Global Sustainability with Novel Battery Optimization Strategy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country in Spain have proposed a novel battery optimization strategy that prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainability over increasing battery capacity, reducing range anxiety and inefficient battery utilization in electric vehicles (EVs). By introducing a dual-battery strategy with a smaller fixed battery for daily commutes and rentable auxiliary batteries for long-distance travel, the study found that an EV with a 35.4-36.4 kWh battery can achieve an efficient 288 km range, extendable with rented batteries. This approach could reduce energy consumption by 10.1-21.4% and cut annual CO2 emissions by 100-200 kg per vehicle.

Key Takeaways:

  • The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for global sustainability, yet range anxiety and inefficient battery utilization remain critical barriers.
  • The proposed dual-battery strategy reduces energy consumption by 10.1-21.4% and cuts annual CO2 emissions by 100-200 kg per vehicle.
  • If adopted by 80% of EVs in 2023, this strategy could prevent up to 2.24 x 10^9 kg of CO2 emissions and provide 579 GWh in battery storage.
  • The approach enhances grid stability, facilitates renewable energy integration, and reduces reliance on fast charging, offering significant economic and environmental benefits.
  • The research was funded by MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), MCIN, European Union (EU), Ikerbasque Foundation, Department of Education of the Basque Government, Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT), IAPMEI (Portugal), and Spanish Ministry of Science.
  • The study's lead author, Mingcai Zhao, notes that the strategy "transforms EVs into dynamic components of a sustainable energy ecosystem, acceleration adoption and advancing global net-zero objectives."

Statistics:

  • Estimated reduction in energy consumption: 10.1-21.4%
  • Estimated reduction in CO2 emissions per vehicle: 100-200 kg per year
  • Potential CO2 emissions prevented if 80% of EVs adopt the strategy in 2023: up to 2.24 x 10^9 kg
  • Total battery storage provided by the strategy: 579 GWh in 2023, scaling to 3020 GWh by 2040
  • Cost savings and economic benefits: significant reduction in reliance on fast charging and enhanced grid stability

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Sustainability Research Findings from University of the Basque Country Described (Should Evs Prioritize Range? Strategies for Efficient Battery Use, Energy Transition, and Sustainability). Global Warming Focus. August 4, 2025; p 514.
  • Materials Today Energy. Should Evs Prioritize Range? Strategies for Efficient Battery Use, Energy Transition, and Sustainability. 2025;52.

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