The EV Battery happens to be the most important component in any electric vehicle. Features related to this battery such as capacity of the battery, the size, weight, and power affect performance and life. This blog is to bring an understanding of such features and how they will impact EVs.
Definition
An electric vehicle battery is composed of lithium-ion batteries that are used for propulsion and other functions in electric vehicles. This makes them rechargeable, and they provide more of an energy density for their size compared to other forms of batteries. Their application requires certain features to enable energy storage and transfer to the propulsion system. Recharge takes place through the energy generated in regeneration or from external sources, for example, charging stations. EV batteries not only determine the range but also largely affect the vehicle’s overall performance and efficiency, making them essential elements in electric mobility
Capacity
The battery capacity, or energy capacity, indicates how much energy a battery can supply over a certain period of time. It is the shooting target kWh. To calculate the battery’s capacity, multiply its voltage by its ampere-hours (Ah). For example, if a battery has a voltage of 12 volts and an ampere-hour rating of 50Ah, its capacity equals 600 watt-hours (Wh) or 0.6 kWh (12V x 50Ah = 600Wh = 0.6 kWh). This capacity determines the amount of energy available to operate electric motors and other devices in applications such as electric vehicles.
Size
The size of the battery in an electric vehicle will definitely count. Such volumetric energy density is measured in Wh/litre since it is the energy that can be stored per volume. Thus, high energy density will give much better range without making the batteries much larger, resulting in space, weight, and manufacturing cost savings for the vehicle. High volumetric density batteries thus help build compact and efficient electric vehicles.
Power Supply
The electric vehicle’s power is effective in providing acceleration and maintaining speed. Mechanically, power is a function of torque and rpm; in the electrical domain, there is voltage and current. Think of it as the fuel flowing from the tank to the engine in a traditional vehicle. Power is then measured in watts- or in kilowatts (kW)-which represents instantaneous power flowing through the electrical circuit. Consider the Nissan Leaf, which has a power output of 147 horsepower (HP). This means the amount of maximum power the motor can generate and the rpm/speed at which it works best.
Performance
The greater the energy density, the greater the amount of energy stored in a given weight of battery, which affects either driving range or weight compared to driving range. Thus, for example, an EV may travel up to 300 miles on a battery with an energy density of 200 Wh/kg. If that battery is updated to one that has 300 Wh/kg, an additional range of 450 miles can be achieved without such an increase in weight. This is a clear demonstration of an energy density improvement’s direct effect on performance and usability in electric vehicles.
The capacity, size, weight, energy density, C-rate, or power may be how the EV battery tracks the range, performance, and efficiency that EVs have. All of those characteristics directly impact the functionality and usability of any vehicle.
