Opportunities and Challenges of Lithium Ion Batteries in Automotive Applications

TLDR

Lithium‑ion batteries, which have revolutionized consumer electronics, are now driving automotive electrification and are evaluated against vehicle‑specific performance targets. The study assesses the remaining opportunities and challenges for adapting consumer‑electronics‑grade LIBs to automotive use in terms of energy, life, cost, safety, and fast‑charge capability. The authors compare the historical development of LIBs since commercialization with automotive application goals, highlighting design requirements beyond those for consumer electronics.

Abstract

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have transformed the consumer electronics (CE) sector and are beginning to power the electrification of the automotive sector. The unique requirements of the vehicle application have required design considerations beyond LIBs suitable for CE. The historical progress of LIBs since commercialization is compared against automotive application goals and requirements. Vehicle-driven battery targets are discussed and informed by a set of international research groups and existing production electric vehicles' performance. The opportunities and challenges remaining for the transition of LIBs suitable for CE to the automotive sector are assessed in terms of energy, life, cost, safety, and fast charge capability.