What Are the Different Types of EV Batteries?

In recent years, every industry has experienced a wave of innovative technologies that have reshaped their respective sectors. Within the automotive industry, the introduction of battery-powered cars stands out as a revolutionising technological advancement.

 

Over time, various types of batteries have been developed and used for electric vehicles (EVs), with Lithium-ion emerging as the most common choice. Read below to learn about the different types of batteries and also the best battery for electric cars:

 

What Is a Battery?

A battery is a device designed to store chemical energy and convert this chemical energy into electricity. It does this through the use of one or more electrochemical cells, with each cell consisting of two distinct half-cells, known as electrodes.

 

One of these half-cells, referred to as the negative electrode, has an excess of subatomic particles called electrons, which carry a negative charge. The other half-cell, known as the positive electrode, has a deficit of electrons.

 

When these two halves are connected through a wire or electrical cable, a flow of electrons takes place, moving from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. This flow of electrons is commonly referred to as electricity and can be used to do various types of work, like powering an electric motor.

 

The electron generation is facilitated by chemical reactions, and a different chemical reaction is used in commercially available batteries. For example, alkaline batteries, often used in devices like flashlights, produce electricity through a chemical reaction involving zinc and manganese oxide. Most alkaline batteries are disposable batteries, and once they go dead, they are useless and should be recycled.

 

On the other hand, automotive batteries are designed to be rechargeable, and this eliminates the need for frequent replacement. Rechargeable batteries use electrical energy to reverse the polarity of the negative and positive halves of the electrochemical cells, effectively restarting the flow of electrons.

 

Different Types of EV Batteries

There are various types of electric vehicle batteries, including some that are currently in the research phase. Among the various EV batteries, the top 4 EV batteries are discussed here:

 

1. Lead Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries were invented in 1859 and are one the oldest forms of rechargeable batteries still in use today. When electric vehicles first entered the market, many of them used lead-acid batteries.

 

They consist of a lead electrode with a negative porous component placed on a plate submerged in dilute sulfuric acid. Charging and discharging occur as electric energy is converted into chemical energy and vice versa.

 

Lead-acid batteries offer a low energy density but provide a relatively broad temperature range for operation. They are also highly recyclable, with up to 95% of their content being reusable, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

 

However, lead-acid battery is heavier and have a lower energy density compared to other options. While they have lower manufacturing costs, they are not ideal for long-term use in modern EVs.

 

2. Lithium-ion Battery

Introduced into commercial use during the early 1990s, lithium-ion batteries have become a prominent choice with many advantages. Notably, they have an exceptionally high energy density and minimal self-discharge, retaining their charge effectively when not in use.

 

Lithium-ion batteries are the most prevalent electric car battery technology in the industry today. You may have already used the smaller versions of Lithium-ion batteries, which are found in portable devices like mobile phones and laptops. But the ones used in electric cars are considerably larger and have a higher capacity.

 

These batteries perform well in terms of their power-to-weight ratio, making electric vehicles highly energy-efficient. Their performance is good even in high-temperature conditions. Their superior energy-to-weight ratio is particularly important for electric cars, as a lighter battery means extended driving range on a single charge.

 

A large portion of the components in lithium-ion battery can be recycled, which is very useful for environmental preservation. These batteries are extensively used in both Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

 

3. Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries were introduced commercially in the late 1980s. It comes with high energy density, and it allows to store a large amount of energy within a relatively compact battery. They are environmentally friendly as they do not contain toxic metals, making them easily recyclable.

 

While nickel-metal hydride batteries are used in Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEVs), they have also shown some success in powering certain all-electric vehicles. NiMH batteries have a longer life cycle compared to lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries.

 

However, these batteries come with certain drawbacks. They tend to have a higher upfront cost and suffer from a relatively high self-discharge rate, reducing their efficiency in retaining stored energy over a longer period.

 

Exposure to higher temperatures leads to significant heat generation in NiMH batteries. These limitations make NiMH batteries less suitable for pure electric vehicles that need higher energy capacity and faster recharging capabilities.

 

They are predominantly favoured and used in hybrid electric vehicles. In hybrid electric vehicles, their durability and energy storage capabilities are much more valuable, providing efficient power for these vehicles.

 

4. Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries represent the latest and most cutting-edge advancement, and these batteries use unique technology. Solid-state batteries differ from their traditional batteries by using a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This fundamental shift results in a notable enhancement in energy density.

 

Ions continue their movement from cathode to anode and vice versa, but with the added benefit of increased energy storage capacity. The other advantages of solid-state batteries lies in their extended lifespan, increased safety features, and enhanced portability.

 

These batteries show improved stability and reduced risk of leakage or overheating, making them safer for various applications, including electric vehicles. However, it is important to note that solid-state battery technology remains in a developmental phase.

 

The substantial progress and advancements made in solid-state battery research indicate a promising future for EVs. This shows the possibility of using these advanced power sources to improve efficiency and range in electric vehicles once they become commercially viable.

 

Conclusion

While discussing the types of batteries used in electric cars, these four varieties top the list of best battery for electric cars. But as the entire EV technology is evolving in a rapid phase, more new developments in battery technology are expected.

 

Regardless of the car's make or model or the battery type, you must always keep your insurance policy updated. To get the best suitable electric car Insurance, visit the Shriram General Insurance site and choose the type of policy you are comfortable with.

 

FAQs

1. Which part is important for EV batteries?

As they provide the best balance between cost and energy storage capacity, lithium-ion cells are the most often used in EV batteries.

 

2. What are the different EV battery shapes?

For electric vehicles, there are pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical-shaped battery cells. Every battery type has a unique chemical composition, capacity, size and lifespan.

 

3. What has an impact on EV's range?

Similar to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, the range of an EV also depends on factors like speed, wind, payload, tyre traction, etc. However, some batteries have a longer range than others.