Citation

Saleem, Muhammad and Khan, Sunawar and Naz, Naila Sammar and Ahmed, Fahad and Adnan, Khan Muhammad and Bharany, Salil and Nisa, Syed Qamrun and Rehman, Ateeq Ur and Islam, Naveed and Khan, Muhammad Amir (2026) The triadic evolution of energy and automation: Challenges, innovations, and future perspectives of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation AEVs. Next Energy, 13. p. 101071. ISSN 2949-821X

Text 1-s2.0-S2949821X26005612-main.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (10MB)

Abstract

The shift from combustion-powered cars to Autonomous Electric Vehicles (AEVs) brings with it an “energy penalty”, as the power consumption of real-time processing of the sensor data and the AI edge computing, along with that of drive-by-wire systems, is far from negligible. This review examines evidence from 303 studies (2015–2026) retrieved from eight databases through a narrative literature review to systematically assess Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries as a high-energy-density alternative. Li-S batteries offer transformative benefits, including a theoretical specific energy of 2600 Wh/kg, low-cost S cathodes, and reduced supply chain dependence, driven by the triadic evolution among energy storage, automation, and electric mobility. Challenges to be addressed include: Polysulfide shuttle effect, low conductivity, lithium dendrite growth, and ∼80% volumetric expansion, which affect cycle life and coulombic efficiency. System-level solutions are needed for issues specific to AEs, such as pulsed-load degradation and the thermal management paradox. Performance has been improved by the recent development of the cathode architecture, the anode protection, the electrolyte optimization, as well as the solid-state Li-S batteries (SSLSBs). Limitations are mitigated with the integration strategies: AI-based smart (Battery Management System) BMS, thermal loop co-optimization, and a hybrid Li-S/supercapacitor system. Compared with Li-ion, Li-air, and other solid-state battery technologies, Li-S batteries could also offer higher energy density, higher pulse power, greater safety, and lower pack-level cost. The proposed commercial roadmap for the technology is aimed at phased trials (2026–2028), phased deployment of SSLSB (2028–2030), and commercial-scale packs with V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) integration (2030+). Future research efforts should be directed towards automotive test profiles for AEV workloads, scale up solid-state Li-S architectures, and design smart BMS using deep learning.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-SB), Autonomous electric vehicles AEVs, Next-generation AEVs, Sustainable transportation,Triadic Evolution, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Subjects:	T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics > TL1-484 Motor vehicles. Cycles
Divisions:	Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI)
Depositing User:	Ms Suzilawati Abu Samah
Date Deposited:	29 Oct 2026 01:50
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2026 01:50
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16970

Downloads

Edit (login required)