The EV battery technology is getting more advanced with the increasing popularity of electric cars. The automotive manufacturing industry has also undergone a transformation because most companies are trying to integrate better battery packs into their cars. Lithium-ion batteries are used for most electric vehicles due to their long lifespan and impressive energy density. Solid-state batteries will be the future of battery technology for electric vehicles. Let us talk more about the transformation in EV battery technology in 2024.
EV battery- Modules and cells
EV batteries have intricate systems comprising interconnected cells to develop modules. These modules are categorized into different packs.
Separate cells of an EV battery are the major building blocks to store electrical energy. The electrolyte separates the negative and positive electrodes of cells. Li-Ion is a battery technology known for low self-discharge and high energy density.
Due to technological advancements in EV batteries, multiple cells are grouped together. Modules containing cells include thermal management systems to control the cell’s temperature and optimize the performance.
Technology makes a difference in the configuration and design of electric vehicle’s battery packs. Some are flat battery packs, while others are tailored to the car’s design. Engineers and researchers are continuously trying to explore cell chemistry and materials to make improvements in the future.
Know more about advancements in EV battery technology
EV battery technological advancements are intended to make battery packs more affordable. High-capacity anodes and other innovations have boosted energy densities. These improvements allow electric cars to solve drive range issues.
Silicon anodes are better electrode materials because they have boosted the batteries’ energy storage capacity.
Is there any risk with an EV battery pack?
The best EV batteries are highly durable and ensure superb performance. However, they have to be safe from overheating issues to make these batteries long-lasting. You can use innovative cooling systems to deal with thermal performance. Efficient thermal management of EV batteries is vital to maintaining battery quality. It will ensure optimized vehicle efficiency and maximum safety. This factor affects the car’s driving range and battery’s lifespan.
Know about the cooling process for EV batteries
Cooling the EV battery is important for controlling battery temperature to boost safety and efficiency. When you run an electric car, batteries produce heat. It will lead to a reduced lifespan and low efficiency. So, if not managed properly, your batteries will not last long.
How will you cool down the electric car battery?
Air cooling
You can cool down batteries by passing air through your EV battery pack. Some manufacturers use the technology for circulating air from the interiors of your vehicle through the pack. This system allows you to cool the batteries and heat them on winter days.
However, the demerit of the air cooling technology is that the air temperature in the car corresponds to the temperature for cooling the batteries. On the contrary, you may heat the batteries by turning up the heat in your vehicle. But, it is not the right choice when you need high power.
The air cooling technique for batteries has another version. It needs to guide the external air through the paths to your vehicle’s battery pack. The batteries’ temperatures will fluctuate due to the varying temperatures outside.
The battery temperature rises on the hottest days of the year. So, it will cause an issue if you are dealing with a high-power application. Your battery will have an overheating risk.
If you need medium or low power, you can rely on the air cooling process. Air cooling is also the right choice when you occasionally need high power. In case the required power is high, you need to choose an alternative to air cooling systems.
Liquid cooling
It is another way to cool down your electric car’s battery pack. Liquid cooling refers to a system comprising different components to boost the cooling process.
Audi, Tesla, and other EV manufacturers choose a liquid cooling solution for electric car battery packs. A dedicated cooling system cools your motor, controller, and overall battery pack. It is to be noted that every component has varying temperatures. The favorable temperature for the battery pack is below 60o Celsius. It will allow the cooling fluid’s temperature to be low. The controller and motor’s temperature can hit 140o Celsius.
If a particular cooling system is used for every component, the controller and motor should heat up your battery pack. Most battery packs are compatible with liquid cooling systems. No matter how much power you need, liquid cooling will be the perfect choice. If you need low power, you can nurture the battery pack to work at the appropriate temperature.
Submersion cooling
It is another technique where the cooling fluid needs to keep the battery pack submerged. The technology is used in the supercomputer world, and thus, it is a costly process.
The fluid used for this process has a limited heat capacity. It refers to how much heat is absorbed by the material. As you submerge the battery pack, the fluid will cool it based on its heat capacity. In case of high-power applications, you should combine other cooling systems. For instance, an aluminum housing conducts heat efficiently and allows the fluid to get cooled.
Conclusion
The EV battery pack manufacturing industry is still young. It currently faces some challenges in the supply chain. However, with more technological developments, you will find a reduction in manufacturing costs. The R&D team and government initiatives focus on advancing cell chemistry.
Most countries, including Canada, have embraced the trend of sustainable mobile. So, it has led to improvements in EV battery technology. You can choose solid-state batteries or other advanced Li-ion batteries for your electric cars. More innovative technologies will transform the battery design and chemical composition. Thus, EVs will perform better in the coming years due to the integration of quality batteries.
