hyundai see in quantum computers opportunities to exercise one’s own lithium battery research and for this reason it has entered into a collaboration agreement with IonQ, a company specializing in the production of quantum computers based on ion traps. The hope is that such devices could help Hyundai better understand the lithium compounds and associated chemical reactions used in automotive batteries.
Hyundai and IonQ team up for battery research using quantum computers
He was the physicist Richard Feynman say, with a phrase that has become famous today, “nature is not classical, damn it, and if you want to do a simulation of nature, you have to do it with quantum mechanics”. The last part, “and damn that’s a big deal, because it doesn’t look that simple” describes well, albeit in a colorful way, the difficulties that arise when it is necessary to carry out a simulation of the quantum behavior of matter. However, many experts today agree with Feynman: performing simulations on classical computers is not possible and quantum computers must be used, especially when it comes to simulating atoms and their interactions. .
It is therefore not surprising that Hyundai, committed to developing better lithium batteries for its cars, has chosen to adopt quantum computers in its research projects. The choice fell on IonQ and the two companies say they are creating “the most advanced battery chemistry model developed to date on quantum computers in number of qubits and quantum gates”.
Specifically, researchers from Hyundai and IonQ are developing novel algorithms for proper variational quantum resolution (variational quantum eigensolver In English), or algorithms that harness the computing power of quantum computers but also use classical computers to vary certain parameters that control the state of the quantum computer; such algorithms are in fact considered as a hybrid between a purely quantum treatment and a purely classical treatment of problems.
The aim of the researchers is to study the existence of new materials that can reduce the cost, time or effort required to produce batteries for electric vehicles. This collaboration is part of Hyundai’s commitment to continue its transition to an all-electric future.
“At IonQ, we believe in our mission to solve the world’s most complex problems through the development of our quantum computers and see global climate change as one of those problems we can help solve with quantum chemical solutions. “he stated Pierre ChapmanPresident and CEO of IonQ. “Battery efficiency is one of the most promising emerging areas where quantum computers can make a difference. We are delighted to work with Hyundai Motor Company on this project to make electric vehicles a primary means of transportation worldwide.