Types of Electric Car Batteries

Electric cars utilise smart innovations such as batteries for storage and dispensing energy. There are four types of batteries that are used in the electric vehicles (EVs), these batteries have different characteristics. The following is a brief on the major battery types that are deployed in electric vehicles.

1. Movable energy storage – Lithium-Ion Batteries (Li-Ion)
   Most Common Type: This type is found in almost any new electric vehicle today.
   Advantages:
   More energy density such as providing longer ranges of thrust.
   Lightweight and compact.
   Fast charging capabilities.
   Applications: Currently in use in Tesla, Nissan, Leaf and most models of new cars.
   Limitations: High cost and causes product to be heat Delicate.
2. Solid-State Batteries
   Emerging Technology: Lithium-ion batteries with a high density and solid electrolyte materials.
   Advantages:
   Higher energy density.
   Extended cycle life, more affordable, shorter charging times, safer because it doesn’t overheat as much.
   Applications: Predicted to be featured in future models as this technology develops.
   Limitations: Expensive production and still in the developmental stages.
3. Nickel – Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
   Used in Hybrids: Usually observed in HEVs or hybrid electric vehicles.
   Advantages:
   Long lifespan and durability.
   The plasticity of this substance to temperature change is relatively slow as compared to that of the petroleum lubricants.
   Applications: Toyota Prius and other hybrid vehicle models.
   Limitations: It has a lower energy density besides possessing higher costs than Lithium –ion batteries.
4. Lead-Acid Batteries
   Oldest Technology: Originally applied in early EVs and is also applicable in the auxiliary systems.
   Advantages:
   Chanel seems to boast the aspects of low costs of recycling as well as well-established recycling procedures.
   Suitable for use as a seasonal storage material or for power network balancing.
   Applications: Mainly for a secondary application such as range-extender power source in electric cars but not as a primary driving system.
   Limitations: They are large and are not suitable for the advanced capabilities required for many EV applications today.
5. Lithium Iron Phosphate or LFP Batteries
   Variation of Lithium-Ion: Extremely safe, long lasting, virtually accident-free.
   Advantages:
   Thermal stability and safety.
   High power reserves and lack of reaction in the event of overcharging.
   Applications: Common in more affordable EVs hitting the market recently.
   Limitations: High energy density but lower than that of conventional lithium-ion battery.
6. Zinc-Air Batteries
   Experimental Technology: Exploits oxygen from the air as one of the reactant species.
   Advantages:
   Lightweight and low cost.
   It may contain potentially very high energy density.
   Applications: Currently under research and development.
   Limitations: Such bad features are low rechargeability and slow evolution.
7. Comparison of Battery Types.

The type of a battery used in an EV varies depending on the cost of the battery, density of energy, as well as the application. While lithium-ion currently constitutes the most popular technology across the globe today, solid-state as well as other future technologies are expected to offer safer, better, and longer solutions in energy storage.