There will always be debates about EV technology, but here's something that looks promising for "smaller" battery development for EVs and in general. Cheaper and better doesn't always go together, but MIT seems to be on to something good, if the reporting is accurate. A new concept of a battery using aluminum and sulfur for electrodes, and molten salt for electrolyte. All cheap and abundant materials. If this works out, it could be a game changer. Best part is, NO BRIDGING in the cells, and non-flammable. No special requirments needed for corrosion controls, either. It generates its own heat during charging and discharging to keep the salts from freezing. It's sealed so no escaped gas, no odors. It sounds promising, not just for EVs, but for small battery use. If it can keep a good charge and get longer use, whoever owns this patent may become very rich very soon.
A new concept for low-cost batteries
MIT engineers designed a battery made from inexpensive, abundant materials, that could provide low-cost backup storage for renewable energy sources. Less expensive than lithium-ion battery technology, the new architecture uses aluminum and sulfur as its two electrode materials with a molten salt...
news.mit.edu