What Types of Batteries Are Used in New Energy Vehicles?
4 Answers
In terms of types, the batteries currently used in new energy vehicles all belong to chemical batteries. Common ones include five types of power batteries: lead-acid, lithium titanate, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, nickel-cobalt-manganese, and nickel-cobalt-aluminum. Among the above five types, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary lithium batteries, which have higher energy density and more stable performance, are the two most widely circulated batteries in the current market and the most widely used mainstream power sources in electric vehicles. In terms of safety, service life, and manufacturing cost, LFP batteries have advantages over ternary lithium batteries, but in terms of energy density, ternary lithium batteries slightly outperform LFP batteries. The energy density of ternary lithium batteries is greater than that of LFP batteries. Energy density is an important indicator for evaluating battery performance. Generally speaking, the higher the energy density, the more electrical energy the battery contains per unit weight or volume, and the longer the driving range it can provide for the vehicle. It is worth noting that due to the increasing demand for battery range, high-nickel NCM811 is a key breakthrough direction in battery development. The main reason for choosing it is that the increase in nickel content promotes the rise in the specific capacity of ternary (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathode materials, which can further expand the energy density of the battery cell, and the electrical energy storage capacity increases with the increase in energy density.
As someone who enjoys delving into new energy vehicle technology, I find battery types quite fascinating. The mainstream options are still lithium-ion battery series, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which offer high safety, are less prone to overheating or catching fire, and have a long cycle life of over 1,500 charges. Ternary lithium batteries, including NMC or NCA, provide higher energy density, enabling longer driving ranges and faster charging, but they have poorer stability and require careful temperature control. There are also emerging solid-state batteries, which use solid electrolytes to reduce leakage risks and enhance safety, and are gradually being commercialized. Lead-acid batteries are mostly used only in auxiliary systems because they are too bulky, inefficient, and unsuitable for primary propulsion. Regarding related points, energy density and charging time significantly impact daily use—for example, choosing high-density batteries for long trips is more convenient, but maintenance and balancing lifespan must be considered.
Over the years of driving new energy vehicles myself, I've encountered various battery types. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common and practical - for instance, the lithium iron phosphate variant performs decently in low winter temperatures with stable range, which is why I prefer it. Ternary lithium batteries are lighter and charge faster, but require much more monitoring against high-temperature degradation in summer. As for lead-acid batteries, they only make cameo appearances in minor components nowadays, rarely used for main batteries. A quick note on charging habits: it's crucial to avoid frequently draining the battery completely before recharging, as this shortens lifespan. Emerging technologies like solid-state batteries are said to offer better safety and durability - I'm looking forward to test-driving them.
In my opinion, the batteries of new energy vehicles must prioritize environmental friendliness. Lithium batteries are the main players: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) has good recyclability and a smaller environmental impact; ternary lithium offers high energy efficiency but poses ecological issues due to cobalt mining; sodium-ion batteries, which use abundant sodium instead of lithium, show promising sustainability prospects. Additionally, it's crucial to emphasize the necessity of recycling systems to reduce pollution and make the technology truly green.
