What type of batteries are used in new energy vehicles?
1 Answers
Introduction to batteries used in new energy vehicles: 1. Lead-acid batteries: Pure electric vehicles initially used lead-acid batteries, which utilize lead and its oxides as electrode materials and sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. These serve as the power source for most electric bicycles today, with low cost being their greatest advantage. However, they have two major drawbacks: first, low specific energy, occupying excessive mass and volume, resulting in shorter driving range per charge; second, short service life and excessively high usage costs. 2. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries: NiMH batteries are a new type of green battery developed in the 1990s, featuring high energy density, long lifespan, and pollution-free characteristics. Compared to lead-acid batteries, NiMH batteries offer significant improvements, with non-flammable electrolytes ensuring safety and mature manufacturing processes. However, NiMH batteries have mediocre charging efficiency and cannot support high-voltage fast charging. Since the widespread adoption of lithium batteries, NiMH batteries have shown a trend of being completely phased out in vehicles. 3. Lithium batteries: Lithium batteries are currently the mainstream choice for new energy vehicles. They use lithium compounds (such as lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, etc.) as electrode materials and graphite as the anode material. Their advantages include lightweight, high energy storage capacity, pollution-free operation, no memory effect, and long service life. 4. Hydrogen fuel cells: Hydrogen is an ideal clean energy source, characterized by being pollution-free, noiseless, and highly efficient. Hydrogen itself can release substantial energy when burned and performs excellently in low temperatures. Most importantly, hydrogen refueling is highly efficient—taking just 5 minutes to refuel for a range exceeding 600 kilometers. This performance metric still has room for improvement, and all these aspects far surpass existing lithium battery technology.