EVs or electric vehicles have been very popular in recent years. They quickly emerge as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional internal combustion engine cars. This will provide the necessary information on the EV battery and its BMS (Battery Management System) in this automotive terminology guide.
The electric vehicle battery manages the electrical energy that fuels the entire vehicle by storing and providing it. It might be thought of as the same as gasoline cars, which have their petrol tank. But it is not like that; instead of flammable liquid, it stores chemical energy produced from electricity.
What Types of Batteries Are Used for Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) use one type or a combination of many types of batteries to store electrical energy which is crucial for the vehicle's operation.
In electric vehicles cell phones, lead-acid batteries are not much used nowadays but were popular a long time ago. They are also less energy-dense and durable compared with Li-ion and other novel technologies.
On the other hand, they are not very common anymore because of their worse performance compared to Li-ion batteries, but nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which were once used in some of the early EVs and hybrids, offer a good energy density and safety.
Current Types of Batteries
Lithium-ion, commonly used in electric vehicles, is a battery type that enjoys high energy density and has a longer life span. These can be found in different chemistries such as NMC, LFP, and others, which balance performance and safety.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries: Even though they possess relatively lower energy density, LiFePO4 batteries are a reliable option for EVs because of their lifetime and resistance to thermal runaway. They are known to be stable and safe.
Types of Next-Gen Batteries
Solid-state batteries: Although still in the development phase for commercial use in EVs, the next generation of battery technology, solid-state batteries, will provide higher energy density, faster charging, and greater safety through the use of solid electrolytes.
Sodium-ion Batteries: Currently, sodium-ion batteries are in research and development. These batteries store energy through the use of sodium ions. Potentially, they may be superior to lithium-ion batteries, being less expensive, for example, and containing more available raw ingredients.
Graphene Batteries: It is a new, promising technology for batteries that provides more energy density, quick charging, and longer lifespan in comparison to standard Li-ion batteries, using graphene for performance enhancement.
How Does An Electric Vehicle's Battery Charge?
This uses an alternating current power source home charging unit or charging station and is known to charge the battery. (Level 1 Charging Speeds); Level 2 Charging Speed.
- Typically faster than AC charging, DC charging is often available at public charging stations (Level 3 Charging Speeds).
- Regenerative charging charges the battery by capturing energy during coasting or braking and changing it back into electrical energy.
Which EV Battery Charging Levels Exist?
Level 1 Charging:
- Uses a standard 120-volt household plug.
- Adds approximately 2–5 miles of range per hour when charging at 1.4–2.0 kW.
- Extremely slow; great for topping off the battery or charging overnight.
- often comes with a portable charger in the car.
Level 2 Charging:
- Uses an electric dryer or other 240-volt outlet.
- Increases range by about 10–20 miles per hour while charging at a rate of 6.–19.2 kW.
- Faster than Level 1, good for charging at home or work.
- Requires a charging station to be installed.
Level 3 Charging:
- In Level 3 charging, which is known as DC fast charging, direct current (DC) is substituted instead of alternating current (AC).
- This will expand the range by about 60–200 miles in 30 minutes at a charging rate of 50–350 kW.
- The fastest option, ideal for long trips or public charging.
- Less accessible and more expensive than Levels 1 and 2.
What Are the Battery Combinations Available in a Battery Pack?
To satisfy the power and energy requirements, electric vehicle (EV) battery packs use several configurations of individual battery cells:
Series Configuration: The cells are connected in series to boost voltage.
Parallel Configuration: Increased capacity is also achieved by chaining cells side to side.
Series-parallel combination refers to connections of groups of cells in the form of parallels and series arrangements to balance capacities and voltages.
Module Configuration: A battery pack is made up of several modules. The cell configurations may be either parallel or series configurations.
All these are the key terms for EV batteries and BMSs. Up next are some more parts of an electric car that we'll be covering in the automotive terminology guide.
To view some more such instructions, please visit the area of FixAnyCarBlog. In case you are not aware of the Automotive Terminologies handbook, we suggest you read the beginner's guide before continuing with any other part.
FAQS
What is a battery Pack?
A battery pack for an EV is made up of several individual battery cells, which are then arranged and coupled together to supply the voltage and energy capacity required to run the car.
How do you keep a battery pack cool?
Most electric vehicle battery packs are cooled with liquid cooling or air cooling systems to maintain ideal operating temperatures and prevent overheating, which may reduce the battery life and performance.
What are the dangers of an EV's battery?
While such fires are relatively rare, it is possible to have a fire from damage or manufacturing defects with a battery. Modern EV safety features reduce that risk.
As time passes, the capacity of the battery decreases, and the range of the EV drops. This is slowed by temperate temperatures and good charging habits.
How is the electric motor and battery connected?
The inverter and high-voltage connections connect the electric motor to a battery pack. The inverter converts the DC in the battery into the required AC for the motor.
What is the power control unit of an EV?
It uses a power management unit to regulate the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor, hence regulating the speed and performance of the vehicle.
What is the difference between an EV's main battery and its auxiliary battery?
Although the auxiliary battery in an electric vehicle is relatively smaller, being utilized for ancillary purposes, for example, lighting, infotainment, and auxiliary systems, the major battery is responsible for propelling the vehicle by powering the propulsion engine.
What is a battery management system?
An important component of EVs is the battery management system, which monitors and controls the temperature, voltage, and charge level of the battery to ensure maximum lifespan, performance, and safety.