Latest news with #lithiumion
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Enovix (ENVX) Jumps 20.76% as Lawmakers Rethink Clean Energy Credit Cuts
Enovix Corporation (NASDAQ:ENVX) is one of the . Enovix Corporation (NASDAQ:ENVX) extended its winning streak to a third consecutive day on Thursday, surging 20.76 percent to close at $10.53 apiece following news that Senate lawmakers are planning to implement gentler cuts to clean energy tax credits. While the Senate would still seek to lower credits for clean energy, Senator Kevin Cramer said that the upper chamber's version may ultimately 'be a little more generous' than the House's. The proposed cuts, which form part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, sought to claw back funding currently enjoyed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), by ending most credits earlier than originally laid out. Battery manufacturers, such as Enovix Corporation (NASDAQ:ENVX), are benefiting from Section 45x of the IRA, which incentivizes eligible companies in a bid to ramp up domestic production. A close-up of a battery cell being assembled with intricate precision. Enovix Corporation (NASDAQ:ENVX) is engaged in providing electronic components, including advanced silicon-anode lithium-ion battery development and production. While we acknowledge the potential of ENVX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Verge
4 days ago
- The Verge
How to safely maintain, use, and dispose of your power banks
The lithium-ion battery inside your power bank isn't designed to run forever. After years of use and hundreds of charges, its performance and capacity will decline, while the risk of more severe issues increases. There are things you can do to prolong your power bank's lifespan, while also ensuring you can use it safely. And if it's already a few years old, there are signs that your power bank may be reaching the end of its life and needs to be disposed of properly. The risk of a power bank causing a fire, which is the result of a chain reaction known as a thermal runaway, is low. But when it does happen, the fires are intense, occasionally explosive, and difficult to extinguish. Anker recently recalled more than 1.1 million aging power banks, and while the company says it only received 19 reports of fires and explosions, the incidents caused multiple injuries and over $60,000 of property damage. Knowing how to detect when a power bank has reached the end of its life can help prevent hardware failures and reduce the risk of a fire, but so can being proactive and knowing how to use the device properly. It may seem obvious, and it's not foolproof, but buying a power bank from a reputable brand can increase the chances it's made from higher-quality components and materials, and that it's free from manufacturing defects. Cheaper power banks may seem like a bargain, but the corners that have been cut to reduce their price tag could have negative impacts on their performance and reliability. Larger and more expensive power banks with greater capacities — like a 20,000mAh model instead of a smaller 5,000mAh one — also generally last longer, according to Anker. More capacity means a power bank has more battery cells to distribute the power load, putting less strain on them individually per charge cycle and increasing their lifespan. The thermal runaways typically responsible for power bank fires are caused when the chemical reactions in a rechargeable battery produce more heat than can be dissipated, resulting in a rapid, uncontrolled release of energy. To help mitigate the risk of overheating, you should avoid using or storing power banks in environments where there's extreme temperatures. For example, don't store them in a vehicle that's at risk of getting extremely hot inside, and avoid leaving them exposed to direct sunlight. Storing your power banks in a cool, dry, and dark location such as a closet is a good idea, but putting them all in a single container may not be. Keeping a little space between them reduces the risk of an overheating power bank causing another one to overheat. It's also important to stop using a power bank and dispose of it properly if it's been pierced or damaged, which includes accidental drops. Although it may look fine on the outside (aside from a scuff or a dent), it's impossible to know how the battery inside has been affected, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Anker's suggestions for extending the life of a power bank include only charging it to between 50 and 80 percent capacity to prevent accidental overcharging, and to avoid completely draining it before the next charge. It also recommends against using your power bank to charge another device while it's being charged, which can generate excessive heat and put extra strain on the battery. Some higher-end power banks allow for software and firmware updates, and companies will occasionally release updates that improve their performance or fix bugs that reduce their capacity or lifespan. You can check the specific manufacturer's website to see if this is a feature offered on your model and whether updates are available for download. There are no tools that can definitively tell you when it's time to replace a power bank, but a common symptom of batteries that have reached the end of their life is reduced performance. If it's taking significantly longer to fully recharge the power bank than when it was new or if the number of times you can use the power bank to recharge your device has been reduced, it might be time to replace it. Power banks, particularly smaller models, will always get warm when being charged or while powering other devices. But if your power bank gets so hot that it doesn't feel safe to physically handle, that could be a sign that there are potential problems. Other symptoms that are easier to spot include physical changes like a deformation or swelling. One of the safety features of lithium-ion batteries is a sealed casing that prevents chemicals like electrolyte from leaking while also protecting internal components. Excessive heat, or the age of the battery, can cause the electrolyte material to decompose, which creates a buildup of gases, making the protective casing expand like a balloon. If it expands enough, it can cause parts of the power bank itself to bulge outward, which is easy to spot. If left too long, those expanding gases can cause a battery to burst. Some issues are impossible to detect, so it's also a good idea to regularly check manufacturers' websites for product recalls. Companies like Anker and Baseus have dedicated pages where recalled products are listed. You can also search for specific brands and products on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website to find information about recalls. Even though the risk of a fire and explosions is low, power banks and other devices that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries need to be disposed of properly and should never be thrown away with your home's regular trash or recycling. There have been several reports of garbage truck fires caused by lithium-ion batteries getting damaged by the vehicle's crushing mechanisms, and prioritizing convenience over someone else's safety is irresponsible. Some stores that sell electronics, like Staples and Best Buy, offer recycling programs, but they typically have limitations on what they'll accept. According to Best Buy's website, its stores won't accept 'items that present a health or safety hazard' or 'any product subject to a CPSC recall.' You'll want to first confirm what your local store is willing to accept. If you're trying to get rid of a power bank that's been officially recalled or is showing signs of being at the end of its life, you'll need to ensure you're following local laws and regulations when it comes to proper disposal and find a recycling facility near you that's equipped to handle electronics that are potentially dangerous. Your local municipality may recommend specific facilities to use. In addition, the US Environmental Protection Agency website lists several organizations that can help you find a disposal facility based on your location, including Earth911, Call2Recycle, and the Consumer Technology Association's Greener Gadgets. But as with retail locations, it's a good idea to first contact the electronics recycling facility and confirm the types of devices that it will accept.
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
RV Camping This Summer? This Power Station With Solar Panels Is at a Record Low Price
If you're heading out for camping this summer, having a reliable power station is already a smart move. But pairing your power station with a solar panel for true off-grid independence is even better—and right now, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 with a 100W panel is available at a record low price on Amazon, down by 40%. At just $298, this bundle is a steal compared to its original $499 price tag, which makes it one of the best (early Prime Day) deals you'll find for a portable solar power setup. This setup isn't just for summer adventures, either: When storms are closing in and winter looms with a threat of power loss, this power station will keep your essentials charged. See at Amazon At just 7.1 pounds, it's light enough to carry in a backpack but contains a whopping 293Wh lithium-ion battery that can supply up to 300W of clean energy. The device features two pure AC outlets so you can safely power sensitive electronics without risking voltage spikes and interference. If you desire a power station with flexibility, this model is able to charge a maximum of six devices simultaneously. The output diversity is incredible: two AC outlets, a 60W PD USB-C port (input/output compatible), a fast charge 3.0 USB-A port, and a DC car port. Recharging the Jackery Solar Generator 300 is simple: With the wall socket and the 60W PD USB-C port combined, you can top up 80% of the battery in two hours. If you're not stationary, you can use the included car charger cable or simply plug in the 100W panel for clean, green energy. The solar panel will connect with the power station seamlessly, thanks to the onboard MPPT controller. This deal is one of the best you'll find on a trusted brand like Jackery, and with the current discount, it's hard to imagine a better time to invest in this. See at Amazon
Android Authority
21-06-2025
- Android Authority
Here's how I extend my Samsung Galaxy's battery life
Saeed Wazir / Android Authority I spend hours on my Samsung phone daily testing apps, browsing the internet, and working on productivity software. Many of these are resource-hungry or silently drain my battery while running in the background. That's why I optimize my battery settings to prevent my phone from running out of power when I need it the most. Samsung includes several handy tools to squeeze extra life out of my battery. They don't affect performance and can even help extend my phone's overall lifespan by prioritising my battery's health and optimizing charging. Each tool contributes to improving my battery life, and I see impressive results when I use them together. Do you use any battery optimization tools on your Samsung Galaxy phone? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % Battery protection extends the overall lifespan Saeed Wazir / Android Authority Most smartphones have lithium-ion batteries, which have a limited number of charge cycles before they begin to degrade. Degradation occurs at a faster rate when the battery is at 100% or below 20%. The battery protection feature helps reduce the degradation rate by managing the phone's charging cycles and keeping it within a specific range to prolong its life. The battery protection feature helps reduce the degradation rate by managing the phone's charging cycles I like to appreciate the set-it-and-forget-it nature of the Battery protection tool and the fact that it doesn't affect performance when I'm using my phone. It has three simple settings, Basic, Adaptive, and Maximum. Basic stops charging the phone when it reaches 100% and then starts again when it drops to 95%. Adaptive estimates my phone use based on my sleeping patterns and stops charging at 80% before switching to the Basic mode when I wake up. The Maximum setting is quite aggressive and stops charging the phone when it reaches 80%. I usually use the Basic mode on new phones because I have confidence in the battery's performance and lifespan. There's a noticeable performance difference after around two years of use, and I switch to Maximum to avoid costly battery replacements. The Adaptive setting is excellent for people who charge their phones overnight, but I don't use it because it doesn't accurately track my sleeping patterns. Power-saving mode for when I'm on the go Saeed Wazir / Android Authority Power-saving is a simple setting that helps me get more hours out of my battery after a charge. I think it's great for extending my battery life when I'm out and about because it provides an estimate of how much longer the battery will last when activated. For example, my phone will have around 20.5 hours of battery life when it's at 92% power, but the power-saving feature can extend it to 26 hours using the maximum settings. It achieves this by turning off the Always-On Display, limiting the CPU speed to 70%, decreasing the brightness by 10%, and limiting other app performance. I appreciate that each of these settings has its own toggle, so I can choose which ones to activate. Power-saving is great for getting more hours of use, but I use it sparingly because it affects my phone's performance. I only activate it when I'm travelling or don't have access to a charger, and leave it off the rest of the time. I stop unused apps from running in the background Saeed Wazir / Android Authority I'm guilty of installing apps that I use once and forget about. Then they lurk in the background, reducing my battery life and performance. When I eventually get around to checking my installed apps, I usually find hundreds, most of which I don't need. I uninstall the apps I have no intention of using again and disable the ones I might revisit later. Checking the App info page provides valuable information to help with my decision. The page shows how much storage, mobile data, and battery each app uses, and I disable the ones that I don't use, which are exploiting my resources. I can always enable the apps again if I decide I want to use them days or weeks later. Adaptive battery manages my apps based on my usage Saeed Wazir / Android Authority Adaptive battery is a feature that manages my Samsung phone's app performance based on my usage habits. This means that the phone learns which apps I use the most, how long I use them for, and the amount of battery power they consume. Adaptive battery then puts seldom-used apps to sleep as soon as I exit them so they don't run in the background, and throttles other background apps. Adaptive battery is a feature that manages my Samsung phone's app performance based on my usage habits. I've had mixed results with Adaptive Battery because some apps take just a second or two longer to respond when it's activated. I prevent this from happening by adding the apps I use most to the 'Never auto-sleeping apps' list, so they aren't affected by the adaptive settings. I also go into the Processing speed menu and ensure it's set to Optimized to get the best balance of power and efficiency. I disable this feature because I don't need it Saeed Wazir / Android Authority My Always-On Display shows the time and other helpful notifications, but it's also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to draining my battery. It constantly needs power, and managing how it works can drastically improve my phone's standby time. Luckily, Samsung provides various solutions to manage the Always-On Display and reduce its power consumption. I can turn the Always-On display on or off with a toggle and adjust its behavior with the When to Show options. I can turn the Always-On display on or off with a toggle and adjust its behavior with the When to Show options. These include tap to show, always on, or I can schedule times when I want it available. On my phone, I disable the Always-On display because I don't need it and can easily view my notifications by pressing the side button. It's also automatically disabled when Power-saving mode is turned on as part of the battery-saving measures. I like these battery-saving tools, but don't always use them Saeed Wazir / Android Authority It often depends on how I feel and the phone I'm using. I usually disable unused apps and the Always On Display on all my phones. However, I only activate features like Power-saving mode and Adaptive battery if I'm running out of juice and won't get to charge my phone anytime soon. I don't use Battery Protection on a new phone, and only activate it when I want to save the overall life after years of use. The performance of these tools varies depending on my usage, phone model, and battery age, and I feel some models experience greater benefits than others.
Top Gear
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
A company is developing a fancy electrolyte to charge EV batteries four times faster
Electric A groundbreaking thing might have just happened for electric car batteries Skip 3 photos in the image carousel and continue reading A company called 24M Technologies has created an electrolyte called Eternalyte that it reckons will revolutionise the way electric car batteries work. Big claims, but it might be onto something. Rather than switching out to a solid-state electrolyte, this special sauce (the recipe for which is kept under wraps) makes the ions move between the anode and cathode more quickly and at a greater rate. Advertisement - Page continues below The result? A charge rate four times faster than conventional batteries, giving around 186 miles of juice in less than four minutes, using – get this – standard charge points. Yup, there's no need for ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Granted, 24M's own spec sheet states the gravimetric energy density of the battery cell is 350Wh/kg, and Merc's working on solid-state batteries with 450Wh/kg power density. Still, 24M's proprietary liquid electrolyte has other cool properties, literally. Where cold weather can reduce current battery capacity by about 25 per cent at freezing point, the boffins at 24M reckon Eternalyte helps a battery maintain all of its usability at 0°C and more than 80 per cent capacity if you get down as low as -40°C. Since we haven't any polar expeditions planned, we'll take their word for it. You might like Eternalyte has been developed for lithium-ion batteries, but the laboratory tests have shown similar results in lithium-metal, silicone-based and graphite-based batteries, too. There's also improvement in the battery lifecycle. Naoki Ota, 24M Technologies boss, said: "24M's Eternalyte electrolyte breakthrough solves some of the biggest challenges of lithium-ion batteries today. Rapid charge, superior low-temperature performance and great cycle life with lithium-metal and other high energy density chemistries, Eternalyte provides outstanding performance for applications ranging from EVs to consumer products. It paves the way for next-gen batteries, including lithium metal, with 1,600-kilometer driving range and years of reliable performance.' Advertisement - Page continues below Almost 1,000 miles on a single charge sounds like progress, right? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
