What Types of Batteries are used in EV?
Batteries for Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles
Most plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries like these. Energy storage systems' standard batteries are essential for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and all-electric vehicles (EVs).
Classes of Energy Storage Systems
The following energy storage systems are used in HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs:
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium batteries are currently used in most portable consumer electronics such as cell phones and laptops because of their high energy per unit mass relative to other electrical energy storage systems. They also have a high power-to-weight ratio, energy efficiency, good high-temperature performance, and low self-discharge.
Most lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, but the cost of material recovery remains a challenge for the industry. The U.S. Department of Energy supports the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize to identify solutions for collecting; sorting, storing and transporting spent and discarded lithium-ion batteries for eventual recycling and materials recovery.
Most of today's PHEVs and EVs use lithium-ion batteries, though the exact chemistry often varies from consumer electronics batteries. Research and development are ongoing to reduce their relatively high cost, extend their useful life, and address safety concerns regarding overheating.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
Nickel-metal hydride batteries used routinely in computer and medical equipment, offer reasonable specific energy and specific power capabilities. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have a much longer life cycle than lead-acid Battery development boards and are safe and abuse tolerant. As a result, these batteries have been widely used in HEVs. The main challenges with nickel-metal hydride batteries are:
Their high cost.
