In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the development of batteries, revolutionizing various industries, particularly the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
This article explores interesting facts related to batteries, including the global increase in production, cost reduction efforts, key characteristics, and various technologies involved in the manufacturing process. With the demand for EVs predicted to continue growing, these advancements are crucial for meeting future requirements and enhancing the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.
Worldwide Increase in Battery Production:
The production of batteries for EVs has witnessed a remarkable surge, with a 66% increase]. This growth is directly linked to the rising sales of electric vehicles.
Forecasts suggest that the demand for batteries will continue to rise, reinforcing the projection of a larger market for EVs in the coming years.
Characteristics of Batteries:
Several key characteristics play a vital role in battery technology:
a) Capacity: Enhancing the storage capacity of batteries is a significant challenge in the electric power industry.
Extensive investments are being made to develop batteries with higher efficiency and reliability. The capacity of EV batteries directly impacts vehicle autonomy, and advancements in technology aim to store larger quantities of energy in the shortest possible time. Future EV models are expected to have battery capacities exceeding 100 kWh [Table 2].
b) Charge State: It refers to the battery’s level in terms of its 100% capacity.
c) Energy Density: Achieving higher energy density is a crucial aspect of battery development. Higher energy density enables batteries to accumulate more energy within the same size and weight. Energy density is measured as the energy supplied per unit volume (Wh/L).
d) Specific Energy: Specific energy represents the energy a battery provides per unit mass (Wh/kg) and is synonymous with energy density.
e) Specific Power: Specific power denotes the power a battery can deliver per unit weight (W/kg).
f) Charge Cycles: A charge cycle is completed when a battery has been discharged and recharged 100%.
g) Lifespan: The lifespan of batteries is measured by the number of charging cycles they can endure. Extending the number of charging and discharging cycles is a key objective in battery development.
h) Internal Resistance: Batteries contain components that offer resistance to the transmission of electricity. Internal resistance results in the dissipation of energy as heat during the charging process. Lowering internal resistance is crucial for quick charging, reducing charging time, and improving overall efficiency.
Cost Reduction and Improved Affordability:
Batteries have been a significant obstacle to the wider adoption of EVs due to their high cost. However, efforts are underway to develop better and more cost-effective battery technologies.
Major manufacturers such as LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Bosch are investing in research and development to improve battery performance while reducing costs.
The battery pack is the most expensive component in an EV. The cost of lithium-ion batteries has progressively decreased, and further reductions are expected.
The construction of Tesla’s “Gigafactory” aims to increase battery production and decrease costs significantly. These cost reductions will make EVs more competitive compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
Battery Charging and Exchange Solutions:
One challenge faced by EV owners is the time required for charging batteries. Standard power outlets provide relatively low power, necessitating lengthy charging times.
To address this issue, Battery Exchange Stations (BESs) or Battery Swap Stations (BSSs) have been proposed.
These stations allow for the exchange of discharged batteries with fully charged ones. While initial efforts faced challenges, BESs have been successfully implemented in various locations, such as Israel, Nanjing, and Tokyo.
