Lithium-Ion Battery Technologies for Electric Mobility – State-of-the-Art Scenario

Abstract

Rechargeable batteries are an integral part of all types of electric vehicles (EVs). Batteries must contain higher energy-power densities and longer cycle life for an EV system. Lead-acid batteries, Nickel-metal hydride batteries, and Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been employed as charge storage in EV systems to date. Lead-acid batteries and Nickel-metal hydride batteries were deployed in EVs by General Motors in 1996. However, the low specific energy in Lead-acid batteries (34 Whkg-1) and high self-discharge (12.5% per day at r.t.) in Nickel-metal hydride batteries have marked these batteries obsolete in EV applications. LIBs currently occupy most of the EV market because of their high specific power (~130-220 Whkg-1) and a low selfdischarge rate (~5% per month). The current technological maturity and mass production in LIBs have reduced the overall battery cost by ~98% in the last three decades, reaching an average value of $140 kWh-1 in 2021. Although a game-changer in battery technologies, LIBs encounter various challenges: high cost, low safety, less reliability, and immature infrastructure despite environmental benignness. Overcharging and overheating of LIBs can cause thermal runway leading to fire hazards or explosion. Declining Liresources also raise concerns regarding the reliability and shelf-life of LIB technology. Hence, a critical assessment of Li-ion chemistries is essential to comprehend the potential of LIBs in electric mobilities and to realize the prospects in EVs.