EVs feature tons of exciting technology.
But, apart from the electric motors, the most important component in an EV is its battery.
The lithium battery in most EVs is also one of the most controversial parts of an electric vehicle.
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Read on to discover how lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles help propel these advanced machines forward.
Why Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Important?
Lithium-ion batteries are at the core of the electric vehicle revolution.
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Over the lifespan of an EV, due to its zero-tailpipe emissions, EVs are very clean.
What Is a Lithium-Ion Battery?
A lithium-ion battery contains cells that contain a positive cathode and a negative anode.
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The amount of cells determines the battery’s capacity, measured in kWh.
This is due to the fact that these chemical reactions can be reversed many times over.
How Does a Lithium-Ion Battery Work?
The basic lithium-ion battery takes advantage of the chemistry of its materials.
Between the cathode and the anode, a liquid electrolyte facilitates lithium-ion movement from the anode to the cathode.
If the two electrodes of the battery were to come into direct contact, the result would be catastrophic.
When a lithium-ion battery powers a unit, the lithium intercalated in the graphite-containing anode loses an electron.
This process creates lithium ions, as well as a free electron.
The lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode via the electrolyte and the porous separator.
Once they cross through the gear, the electrons end up at the cathode.
When the battery needs to be recharged, the process basically starts all over, but in reverse.
After the charging process is complete, the battery is ready to go once again.
