Along with increasing the range of EVs from 600 km to 800 km, the breakthrough design also boasts a 12-minute rapid charging time and a lifespan of over 300,000 km. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries like those used in current EVs, the electrical anode in a lithium–metal battery is made from metal instead of graphite. The accumulation of lithium crystal dendrites on battery anodes reduces their performance and can lead to short circuits that damage the battery permanently. The team notes that this accumulation is even more pronounced during rapid charging, making it “very difficult” to charge this type of battery in rapid-charging conditions. Unlike the electrolyte used in conventional lithium-metal batteries, the team used an electrolyte with an anion structure.