August 23rd 2023
Paul Markillie
Innovation Editor
Invented in the late 1970s, Li-ion batteries took more than a decade to commercialise, at first for portable electronic devices and then, in bigger versions, for cars. It is the Li-ion cell, not heavy lead-acid batteries or other technologies, that has made the electrification of transport possible.
Well, almost possible. Range and recharging times need to be improved before there is a mass adoption of EVs. The i3 could, in real-world driving conditions, manage about 250km after an overnight charge. Even though some modern EVs can travel twice that distance on one charge, many drivers are looking for more. This week’s Science section explores how increased range and faster charging times are coming with a new generation of “solid-state” Li-ion batteries. These should allow EVs to go for some 1,200km and be recharged in only ten minutes or so.
Carmakers started developing solid-state versions of Li-ion batteries because the liquid electrolytes that present-day versions contain are extremely flammable. This can result in those batteries bursting into flames. Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes, which are non-flammable. This also allows a broader range of materials to be used inside the battery, enabling them to squirrel away a much greater charge in a smaller space.
Having overcome a number of technical challenges, a variety of different solid-state batteries are now being readied for production. Toyota, for one, says it plans to start making them in 2027. Nissan, BMW and Volkswagen have similar batteries in the works. Prototypes could start appearing in test cars within a year or two.
At first, solid-state batteries will be expensive and made in limited numbers as manufacturers look for ways to scale up production for the mass market. That means they are likely to start off in sports cars and luxury vehicles, for which buyers are prepared to pay premium prices. The price of raw materials, like lithium, will also have a big effect on costs. It could be sometime into the 2030s before solid-state batteries are widely available for family cars and city runabouts. But they will be worth waiting for. When these new batteries become available, EV drivers will finally be able to leave range anxiety in their dust.

Probably like me, sick of the crazy political rantings (mostly the commie liberal snowflake variety) that have infested every thread on here...and makes this a rather unsavory, unwelcoming shadow of what it once was or coulda been.

I don't post $ or % amounts, sorry.
I provide information for others to use. Posters are free to use it or not. I am not into showboating.
My post(s) on FRN purchase details on THIS thread were in response to specific questions from posters.
BTW, I had already started an OP on FRNs several days ago that had general info and has been posted elsewhere too.

@rsorden
+1. Agreed.

It is very very rare on these threads, to see specifics about how much you are investing. So you hear these very detailed discussions about buying, but nothing about the extent of buying. I am an investor who does not have a large number of positions. I prefer to have larger, but fewer positions, in my portfolio. When I was investing in Bonds before March 2022, it was typical for me to own 10 or fewer positions, with my smallest position being in 6 figures. Even now in my CD world, 6 figures is my typical minimum.
So, this is a long winded way of stating, that it would be helpful to know how large of a treasury position, a bond oef position, ETF or CEF position, you are referring to when you state you made a purchase, or own a position. I know FD's investing style, and he talks about his successful performance, but he only invests in 5 or less positions in his portfolio, and each position is often larger than the entire portfolio of most posters, in talking about their purchases. I also know Yogi somewhat, but I have the impression that his purchases are part of a portfolio, with very large number of smaller bond positions. So, understand not only what they are discussing and purchasing, but also how much they are investing.

@dtconroe I would post % of portfolio invested, but not $$$$ (amount) !
I was able to make a small 1.5% purchase in IRA of T-note mentioned above. That was all of the cash I had available in that account at Schwab. I then turned to Vanguard to up the ante to make a larger purchase of 3.5% so it would be a 5% holding. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make the purchase. If anyone was able to purchase 91282chs at Vanguard would you please reply. I might have over looked a back door approach.
Thanks, Derf

Just bought two 12-months CDs from two large national banks with a quite satisfactory yield of 5.30%. I am not concerned about eking out a few extra basis points here or there in the future.
If I were to add a bond fund to my portfolio at this time, I would probably consider CBLDX, a low duration high yield OEF with an excellent risk/reward profile and an SEC yield of 8.80%.
Good luck,
Fred