A clever structural redesign could make next-generation batteries safer, faster, and far cheaper. Credit: Shutterstock Batteries play a critical role in everyday life, from powering smartphones to enabling electric vehicles. Despite their importance, today's batteries still come with major drawbacks, including high costs and the risk of fires or explosions. All-solid-state batteries have long been viewed as a safer alternative, but progress has been slowed by the challenge of balancing safety,