A lithium ion car battery is an efficient power source for your electric vehicle (EV).
It has several advantages over other types of electric car batteries, including lead acid batteries. Plus, you can use it in non electric vehicles as well.
What should you know about lithium batteries?
In this article, we’ll explore the lithium car battery, what it is, how far it’ll take you, how it could go bad, and how much it costs. We’ll also cover what to do with a retired lithium battery and common queries that you may have.
Let’s go!
Most electric and hybrid electric vehicle models today use lithium ion batteries (li ion batteries).
These batteries have lithium ions as the active material of the battery chemistry — where the ions in the battery cell move from the anode to the cathode to produce electricity.
But the exact battery chemistry can vary, and cars only use lithium batteries with high energy density. Battery varieties include:
These li ion batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio, high energy efficiency, low self-discharge, and good high-temperature performance.
These qualities make lithium ion battery technology a revolutionary alternative to traditional car batteries (like flooded lead acid batteries). And some lithium batteries can directly replace lead acid batteries in any vehicle.
So, where is this technology headed?
Researchers are still looking into reducing their costs, extending their lifespan, and preventing overheating. Plus, companies are looking into creating a lithium sulfur battery for electric car use since it’s energy dense and made from economical materials.
Let’s look at how far a lithium battery cell can take you.
The energy storage capacity of a lithium electric car battery will depend on the battery material and functions of the vehicle. This capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or Ampere-hours (Ah) and influences how far a car can travel on a single recharge.
Typically, an EV battery capacity can range between 40 kWh to 200kWh.
For example:
Next, let’s see what could deteriorate your electric car battery.
Various factors can lead to EV battery deterioration, including:
If your lithium rechargeable battery has degraded beyond acceptable limits, it’s best to buy a replacement before you have a completely dead battery on hand.
How much would that cost you?
The cost of a new lithium ion battery can vary depending on the brand and the capacity of the automotive battery.
Here are some electric vehicle battery brands and their price ranges:
Yes, these prices are high compared to non lithium batteries. According to the International Energy Agency, this high fee may be due to supply chain disruption and the cost of the raw material.
However, a Nature study predicts that these costs will drop by 20% in 2023.
On a separate note, many brands like Tesla and General Motors promote electric vehicle production. So, with the growing popularity of lithium ion battery technology, it could be worth keeping an eye on battery technology companies listed on stock markets like Nasdaq or the Dow Jones.
But what can you do with a retired electric vehicle battery?
You can’t discard your automotive battery with the rest of your household waste.
Instead, you could:
Next, let’s resolve common queries about lithium EV batteries.
Here are quick answers to queries you may have about lithium ion batteries:
Lithium batteries last longer than other hybrid electric vehicle or standard car batteries.
Generally, these electric car batteries last for about 200,000 miles or around 8 to 17 years. In comparison, a lead acid battery lasts 3 to 5 years, and a Gel or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery lasts around 7 years.
Why does a lithium battery last so much longer?
Lithium batteries have a slower rate of capacity loss due to age, temperature, and other factors. Plus, today’s electric cars use advanced battery management systems to help them operate optimally.
Find out more about the lifespan of electric batteries and how you can prolong them.
Here are warning signs of a deteriorating battery:
But to be sure, you could have a mechanic check your battery pack every few years.
Most lithium ion battery production happens in Japan, China, and South Korea. These countries also have good recycling capabilities.
Popular manufacturers include:
An electric vehicle could also use a:
A lithium ion battery is a reliable power source for your electric vehicle. And the right care and maintenance can prolong its life.
But it’s important to note that the lithium battery isn’t perfect. Lithium ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway, which can cause overheating or a battery fire. Plus, lithium mining is harmful to the environment.
However, with future advances in battery technology, these downsides can hopefully be circumvented — as it doesn’t look like electric vehicles will be going away any time soon.
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