Vehicle Battery Technologies
With the rise of electric vehicles, Vehicle Battery Technologies are becoming an important part of the overall energy system. In the quest for greater energy density, lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly important in vehicular applications. The lithium-ion battery has been the subject of significant research, primarily for the cell phone and portable electronics industries. The basic chemistry of lithium-ion batteries remains the same, but the automotive industry has made lithium-ion batteries its primary focus for the past 15 to 20 years, with use in battery electric vehicles and hybrids.
In the past, lead acid batteries dominated the automotive industry due to their relatively low cost and useful level of state of charge. In addition, they could recycle their core elements. They also provided high current levels needed for starting engines. As of today, many automotive battery technologies have advanced beyond their initial counterparts. These technologies are now available in a variety of styles to fit a wide range of applications. Here’s how they work. The process is fairly straightforward: lead acid batteries are the traditional choice for many automobile manufacturers. They were comparatively inexpensive, provided a high state-of-charge, and were highly effective for starting an engine.
Solid-state batteries are another promising innovation for battery technology. These replace flammable liquid electrolytes with a solid layer of graphite. They hold more power than their liquid counterparts, and are safer to handle and dispose of. Many major automakers are currently conducting research to develop these technologies. Ultimately, these advances in battery technology will help improve safety and reduce vehicle fuel costs. And as a result, they may be the perfect solution for electric vehicles.
GM is one of the leading automotive manufacturers developing advanced battery technologies. With this technology, vehicle manufacturers can optimize their battery size, while maintaining aerodynamics and passenger comfort. Furthermore, vehicles built on the modular platform will be more dynamic than ever. These advances will reduce the weight and cost of vehicles, and help decarbonize the planet. A battery manufacturer will have an advantage in this competition, as they can use the same battery in different models. They can even reuse used cells in other models.
A lithium-ion battery without cobalt cathode is currently under development at the University of Texas. In the EV-1, the battery produced by Ovonic contained eleven 1.2 V 85 Ah cells, while Cobasys’ battery contains only ten. Both batteries have similar specifications, but it was found that Cobasys’ battery performed better. However, the patent encumbrance for the NiMH battery has hindered its widespread use in vehicles.
Nonetheless, technological advances in this field have made it possible to keep pace with the growing demand for efficient batteries. Currently, scientists and engineers are actively engaged in various aspects of battery research, ranging from improving durability to optimizing state of charge for automotive applications. As a result, the goals of this research are to increase battery life, improve charging efficiency, and create better-quality products for automotive applications. The future is bright, and if we don’t do our part to improve battery technologies, the world will be a better place to live in.