Battery Energy Storage in Various Battery Types

As vehicles continue to develop and move toward electric power the sources of power are also changing. This is especially true in the realm of batteries. They have to supply starting power as well as power for all the accessories. What is the capacity of these batteries to store power?

Lead Acid Batteries

These batteries have been around for a long time and can be designed to deliver reliable, safe and inexpensive power. They have some drawbacks such as a short life span and cold temperature performance. They are currently being researched to be able to provide high power for high-energy vehicles (HEV).

Nickel Cadmium Batteries

These batteries have a more specific energy output and have longer lives than lead acid batteries. However they do not have the capacity to provide enough power and are not currently being considered for HEV situations.

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

These batteries are commonly used in medical and computer equipment. They provide specific power and energy capabilities. They have a much longer life than lead acid batteries and are very safe. They are recyclable although a system for that has not been put in place as of yet. Their disadvantages are high cost, low cell efficiency, relatively high discharge and they generate heat at high temperatures.

Lithium Ion Batteries

These have a high specific energy release and have become the standard in cell phone and the laptop market. They have components that can be recycled, high specific power, high-energy efficiency, and good high temperature performance. Before they can be considered for HEV there will have to be improvements to their calendar and cycle life, better battery and cell safety and get to an acceptable cost.

Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries

These batteries have the possibility to become HEV providers. They have a good high specific energy and high power. They are safe and have good cycle life. With the possibility of lowering the cost and providing higher specific power they could easily become good HEV providers.