Electric vehicles continue to gain popularity each year, with improved batteries playing a crucial role in making them more affordable and practical. These next-generation batteries can hold more energy, extending the driving range of electric cars at a lower cost. Published in Energy and Environmental Science, the study reveals that exposing battery materials to air during manufacturing can cause hidden damage that accelerates battery degradation over time. These cathodes often contain manganese, added to enhance stability and protect the battery during operation. Better control of these hidden chemical changes could help future electric vehicles travel farther, last longer, and offer more reliable energy storage for renewable power systems.