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Which battery is used in electric vehicles?
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing exceptional growth. The domestic EV market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49% between 2022 and 2030, with annual sales expected to reach 10 million units by the end of this decade.
Electric vehicle sales in India reached an all-time high, reaching 211,615 units in March 2024 alone; which is phenomenal. This shows that consumers are rapidly adapting to and trusting electric vehicles.
This increase is also due to the support of policies and programs implemented by the Indian government, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, which aims to stimulate development and solve cost and infrastructure problems.
The electric car market has huge potential and is expected to account for more than 40% of the Indian automobile market by 2030, with revenues exceeding $100 billion.
At the heart of this electrical power are the batteries that power these cars. Batteries are not just accessories; They are the main components of electric vehicles. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they determine the range, efficiency, and overall performance of electric vehicles. But what type of batteries are used in electric vehicles in India, it’s not the normal ones.
In this article, we’ll find out for you which types of batteries are used in electric vehicles.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
A Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is the most common battery used in electric vehicles all over the world. It is a type of rechargeable battery that operates on the principle of reversible intercalation of lithium ions into a host material, which allows for energy storage and release.
History
The concept of Li-ion batteries was conceived in the 1970s by M. Stanley Whittingham, who created the first rechargeable lithium-ion battery. However, it was John Goodenough’s work in 1980 that led to the development of a more viable cathode material, lithium cobalt oxide. The first commercial Li-ion battery was introduced by Sony and Asahi Kasei in 1991, following Akira Yoshino’s development of a prototype in 1985.
Benefits
Li-ion batteries offer several advantages over other types of rechargeable batteries:
Higher specific energy: They can store more energy per unit mass, leading to longer usage times between charges.
Higher energy density: They can store more energy per unit volume, making them ideal for space-constrained applications.
Longer cycle life: They can be charged and discharged many times before their capacity diminishes significantly.
Low self-discharge: They retain their charge well over time when not in use.
No memory effect: They do not suffer from reduced capacity when repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged.
Applications
Li-ion batteries have enabled a wide range of technologies, including:
Portable consumer electronics: Such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
Electric vehicles: Providing the necessary power for e-mobility.
Grid-scale energy storage: Assisting in the management of renewable energy sources.
Military and aerospace: Where high energy density and reliability are crucial.
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead Acid Batteries are known for their ability to provide high surge currents despite having a relatively low energy density.
History
Gaston Planté, a French physicist, is credited with inventing the lead-acid battery in 1859. It was the first battery that could be recharged by passing a reverse current through it, making it a significant advancement in the field of energy storage.
Benefits
Lead Acid Batteries offer several advantages:
Cost-effective: They are relatively inexpensive to produce.
High surge currents: Capable of providing the high current required by starter motors in vehicles.
Reliability: They have a proven track record of reliability in various applications.
Recyclability: Lead-acid batteries are highly recyclable, with many of the components being reusable.
Applications
These batteries are widely used in:
Automobiles: To provide the high current required by starter motors.
Backup power supplies: In cell phone towers, emergency power systems, and stand-alone power systems.
Large-scale energy storage: Especially in modified versions like Gel-cells and absorbed glass-mat batteries, known collectively as VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries were commercially introduced in 1989 and have found applications in various fields due to their improved capacity and environmental advantages. It features a positive electrode composed of nickel hydroxide and a negative electrode made of a metal hydride—an alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen.
Advantages
Higher Capacity: NiMH batteries provide about 40% higher specific energy compared to nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, resulting in approximately twice the capacity.
Reduced Voltage Depression: NiMH batteries are less affected by voltage depression.
Environmentally Friendly: Unlike NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries do not contain toxic cadmium.
Less Memory Effect: NiMH batteries exhibit significantly less memory effects than NiCd batteries.
Applications
NiMH batteries are widely used in:
Portable Electronics: As a substitute for non-rechargeable alkaline batteries due to their compatible cell voltage and leak resistance.
Electric Hybrid Vehicles: They contribute to the power systems of hybrid cars.
Other Devices: Emergency backup power supplies, cordless phones, and more.
FAQS
The capacity range of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery used in electric cars is 40–200 kilowatt-hours (kWh), with the average capacity being around 40 kWh
The capacity of a lead-acid battery used in an electric vehicle (EV) can range from 10–14.4 kWh, with an autonomy of up to 119 km. The typical car has 8–12 kWh lead-acid batteries installed.
Tesla’s electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which are the primary energy storage technology for most modern electric cars. Tesla uses different variations of lithium-ion batteries to power their different vehicle models, which have evolved over time
The battery packs of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly the lithium-ion type used in most modern EVs, are quite resilient and can last at least a decade before needing replacement. However, the lifespan can vary based on factors such as climate, with batteries lasting about 12 to 15 years in moderate climates and 8 to 12 years in extreme climates