Mercedes Benz is no exception regarding the adoption of ESG focused goals, the company has the objective to become carbon neutral by 2039. In order to accomplish this, they will have to transition most, if not all, of their models to electrical. 

Setbacks

The problem they are facing, and all companies designing electric vehicles, is that they can't really travel long distances without stopping to charge. In addition to this, charging stations are not frequently seen, due to their lack of them (not the same amount as gas stations). Therefore, Mercedes partnered with IBM in order to improve batteries life, boost charge capacity, decrease energy loss via heat, and dramatically lowering costs, the impact on transportation alone could be world-shaking.

But how do quantum computers help companies achieve their goal? IBM has built the largest quantum computer as of right now and what makes this computer different from laptops or other supercomputers right now is its velocity.

Bridging the Gap

One way in which quantum computing can be used to improve battery life is by simulating the behavior of different battery materials at a molecular level. This can allow researchers to identify new materials that have the potential to store more energy or last longer before needing to be recharged. Quantum computing can also be used to optimize the design of battery cells, which can help to increase the overall energy density of the batteries and prolong their lifespan.

Another way in which quantum computing can be used to improve battery life is by optimizing the management of power in an EV. Quantum algorithms can be used to analyze data from sensors on the vehicle, such as the battery's state of charge, to predict when the battery will run out of power. This can help to improve the efficiency of the power management system and extend the range of the vehicle.

Finally, quantum computing can also be used to optimize the management of power grid. For example, quantum computing can be used to optimize the scheduling of charging and discharging of EV batteries to reduce the strain on the grid and extend the life of the batteries.

Conclusion

Overall, quantum computing can play a significant role in increasing the battery life of EVs through advanced simulation and optimization techniques, leading to more efficient and longer-lasting electric vehicles.

“Quantum computing distills some very abstract physics theory into a completely new kind of computing power, seemingly purpose-built to handle problems of once-insoluble complexity. Instead of magnetic “bits” representing 0s and 1s, quantum computing relies on “qubits” that can, thanks to some bizarre quantum-mechanical phenomenon, represent more information than a classical bit. With the addition of every qubit to a quantum computer, its performance doubles – an exponential boost in its ability to run algorithms of once-intractable complexity” (Anonymous, 2020)

From a business perspective, companies should continue to invest in the quatum computing space if they want to ensure they remain ahead of optomized competitors in the long term.

January 15, 2023

Author: Nicole Cabezas | Director of Technology Research