22 Years' Battery Customization
Mar 02, 2021 Pageview：453
Internal combustion engine vehicles burn petrol and diesel to produce energy. That is what many people have known as the main source of energy for all engines.
However, technology has changed things today. Electric vehicles have come up strong, taking over the motor industry. These engines get their power directly from a huge pack of batteries.
It is more or less like the batteries in your smartphone, only that they have been scaled up. Understand that car engines require a lot of power to move. And that would mean using the most powerful batteries, which will not only move it but last longer.
The last thing you want is a battery that dies only after a few kilometers. That would mean you can never drive a long distance with such a vehicle.
Luckily, these scaled-up versions of Li-ion batteries can go for days on a single charge. They don't use just a single battery but a pack made of thousands of cells.
During charging, electricity makes the chemicals change inside the batteries. The process is reversed when on the road to produce electrical power.
Since EVs are becoming more popular by the day, it would be good to understand the types of batteries they use. This will help you make more informed decisions when buying these eco-friendly cars.
As electric cars become more common, battery manufacturers are stepping up their game to produce better chemistries. They work with EV manufacturers to give consumers the best products.
A battery is the most important part of an EV. It is what defines the car and brings up the price difference with internal combustion engine cars.
You may have realized that most electric cars are more expensive than those that use fuel. It is not because they are specially designed, but because of the batteries.
EVs don't use single batteries like the ones in your mobile phones. Instead, they apply battery packs made from many cells that work together as a single unit.
Batteries, in this case, are energy storage systems for HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs.
The following are the most common types:
Lithium-ion Batteries
In the world of batteries, Li-ion is seen as the leader. These are the batteries you will find in most portable consumer electronics like cell phones and laptops.
They are considered to have the highest energy per unit mass compared to other batteries. Besides, they deliver a high power-to-weight ratio, better energy efficiency, excellent high-temperature performance, and lowest self-discharge. All these are features of the best battery for any device.
Most of the components used in Li-ion batteries are recyclable. That makes them great for the environment too.
Many of the EVs and PHEVs in production today are using Li-ion batteries. The exact chemistry may vary from one manufacturer to another, but they are generally still the best you can get.
Nickel-metal Hybrid Batteries
These are batteries you will find in some computers and medical equipment. They are preferred for their specific energy and specific power capacities. They offer and much longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries. Also, they are safer and more abuse tolerant.
Nickel-Metal Hybrid batteries are used in a wide range of HEVs. A big concern is their high cost, high self-discharge, and heat generation at higher temperatures.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are not a new technology. They can be designed to offer high power, affordability, safety, and reliability.
However, these batteries are known for their low energy, poor performance in cold temperatures, and short lifespan. That is why they are not very popular.
Advanced high-power lead-acid batteries are under development, but only for commercially electric-drive vehicles for ancillary loads.
Ultracapacitors
Ultracapacitors are a form of energy storage systems that store energy in the polarized liquid between electrodes and electrolytes. More storage capacity comes with an increase in the surface of the liquid.
These systems offer EVs with extra power during acceleration and climbing hills. They also give braking power. Manufacturers use them as secondary energy storage devices too.
EV batteries have come a long way over the past few decades. They have significantly reduced in price, making the cars more affordable than ever.
For the first time in history, there are batteries that cost $100 per kilowatt-hour. Statistics have shown that these prices have dropped by 89% over the past decade.
Recent surveys are reports only show the best news of those who own EVs. When battery pack prices fall, EVs become less expensive. Also, auto-manufacturers can begin selling their cars for a larger profit.
Bloomberg NEF data indicates that prices fell 13% between 2019 and 2020. On average, the batteries in 2019 cost $137/kWh for passenger EVS, commercial vehicles, and buses. It was predicted that these prices would drop even further. And it came to pass when some batteries fitted in electric busses in China cost less than $100.
Even though this was only from one part of the world, it is a good indication for automakers and car owners.
An electric car is defined by the power of a battery it has. As discussed above, it is a battery that determines the car's price. And that means one must get the best battery.
Battery manufacturers are taking their game to the next level to deliver excellent performance. Different chemistries have been developed for this reason.
There is seems to be no contender for the electric powertrain for the moment, where lithium-ion remain the best choice for many.
Li-ion batteries also come in different specific configurations. Among them, you get in Li-nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), Li-phosphate, and Li-manganese as the most superior.
When buying your EV, it is always good to check the battery first and determine whether it's a worthy investment. Electric vehicles get their energy from these batteries, which means your car's power depends on battery choice.
In conclusion, consider Lithium-ion batteries for your EV. Whether you are buying a new car or replacing the battery, this shou
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