When it comes to electric vehicles, the most important thing that comes to our mind is electric storage or Battery. Here in this article What are the types of energy storage and types of batteries used in electric vehicles in India?
Due to the limitations of oil, automotive industries are developing alternatives to fuel vehicles. Out of all the possible solutions that don’t use petroleum, electric vehicles have become the most viable option. When electric vehicles are concerned, the most important thing that comes to our mind is electric storage.
What is Energy Storage?
Simply, energy storage is the device in which it stores, delivers- in terms of discharge, and accepts- in terms of charging the energy. Energy storage systems are essential for electric vehicles, which come in the form of different types of batteries.
Battery type can vary depending on the type of vehicle whether the vehicle is a battery-electric or a plug-in hybrid electric.
There are some requirements and factors that should be fulfilled in an automotive application such as an ideal battery like specific energy and power, energy density, self-discharging rate, operating temperature, number of life cycles, efficiency, cost, and environmental adaption.
As we have seen, most electric vehicles use one type of battery but other different types of batteries have been proposed for electric vehicles.
4 Types of Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles in India
4 types of batteries are used as energy storage in electric vehicles, mainly including-
- ⦁ Lithium-ion batteries
- ⦁ Lead-acid batteries
- ⦁ Nickel- Metal Hydride batteries
- ⦁ Ultracapacitors
Lithium-ion Batteries
Over recent years, Lithium-ion batteries have rushed in popularity. Li-ion batteries are most commonly used in electric light motor vehicles because of their high power-to-weight ratio, good high-temperature performance, excellent specific energy, and low self-discharge rate.
Lithium-ion batteries are better than other batteries at maintaining the ability to hold a full charge over time. These battery parts are recyclable so it is a good option regarding the environmental aspect. They have long cycle life even though they support higher energy costs, exceptional power efficiency, longer service life, and eco-friendliness. They are designed to be discharged up to 90% of the total capacity.
Li-ion batteries-based cars give better mileage due to their lightweight. A car has to overcome its inertia. When someone has to accelerate the car from zero, lithium-ion can better propel the vehicle and can discharge faster and supply more power, which is very beneficial for HEV.
Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid battery technology is still in the development phase advancing. These batteries have a comparatively wide operating temperature range and have low energy density.
They are easier to recycle. About 95% of the content of the battery can be reused, which is better for the environment. Lead-acid batteries have a relatively low depth of discharge so it directly impacts their cycle life. These batteries tend to be expensive because they don’t last as long so they often need to be replaced within 4 to 15 years depending on their type.
Lead-acid batteries do not discharge more than 30-40%. Which typically go on to damage the battery.
Nickel- Metal Hydride Batteries
In a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, one pole has Nickel alloy whereas another pole has Nickel oxyhydroxide with the electrolyte of Potassium hydroxide.
It is usually slower to charge and discharge the battery, and it contains less power per weight so it takes a longer time to charge the battery. In extreme heat, Ni-MH batteries can deteriorate faster. This makes Ni-MH less ideal.
These batteries have a wide operating temperature range. They are also reliable and safe. Ni-MH batteries have a typical cycle life of over 3000 cycles. They are environmentally friendly. The voltage provided by Ni-MH is 1.2 V.
This technology has replaced Ni-Cud technology. These batteries are widely used in automotive batteries, computers, medical instruments as well as equipment, and electric razors.
Ultracapacitors
Ultracapacitors in Electric Vehicles– Unlike batteries, Ultracapacitors hold the charge as static energy. They can provide a higher current so they have a far higher specific power.
Ultracapacitors don’t have any heating problems. The main advantage of ultracapacitors is that they can do millions of charging cycles. They are already used in multiple applications for instance in buses, trains, and microgrids.
Nevertheless, these technologies will continue to improve and over time we might see changes in electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles have become a significantly feasible option in the automotive marketplace for consumers.
Having a low self-discharge rate, and outstanding specific energy, it appears that variants of Li-ion batteries are now the leading type that is mostly utilized in BEVs. Meanwhile, lead-acid and Ni-MH batteries do not appear to be suitable for use, though these batteries are still frequently utilized in some electric vehicles.
FAQs
How many types of batteries are used in electric vehicle
Mainly there are 4 types of batteries used for electric vehicles. 1 Lithium-ion batteries, 2 Lead-acid batteries, 3. Nickel- Metal Hydride batteries, 4. Ultracapacitors
Which battery is most suitable for electric vehicles?
Lithium-ion battery.
Which type of battery is used in Tesla cars?
Cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) and LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery cells.
Which company battery is used in electric vehicles?
Exide Industries, Amara Raja Batteries, Panasonic, Tata Group.
Which type of batteries is used in Electric Cars?
Lead Acid, Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium ion
Lithium-ion battery specification for electric vehicles?
Lithium-ion batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio, high energy efficiency, and good high-temperature performance.
Why lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles?
Lithium-ion batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio, high energy efficiency, and good high-temperature performance.
