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Applied Battery Research

Applied battery research focuses on addressing the cross-cutting barriers facing the lithium-ion systems that are closest to meeting all of the technical energy and power requirements for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric vehicle (EV) applications. In addition, the applied battery research activity concentrates on technology transfer to ensure that the research results and lessons learned are effectively provided to U.S. automotive and battery manufacturers. The work concentrates on four research areas:

  • Battery system development and electrochemical diagnostics,
  • Battery testing and electrolyte development,
  • Spectroscopy and microscopy diagnostics, including X-ray diagnostics, and
  • Abuse evaluation, accelerated life test protocol development, and statistical analysis.

Several types of batteries have been investigated for use in EVs and HEVs, among them lithium-aluminum-iron-sulfide, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, and lithium-polymer. Lithium-ion systems come closest to meeting all of the technical requirements, but they face four barriers: calendar life, low-temperature performance, abuse tolerance, and cost. This work has produced a number of documents for developers, which are available from the USCAR Electrochemical Energy Storage Tech Team Website.

Chart describing the materials cost breakdown. Gen 2, 15.4-Ah Cell at $8.64 per Cell. Positive Active Material - 23%, Positive Carlson and Binder - 8%, Negative Active Material - 12%, Negative Binder - 4%, Positive Current Collector - 5%, Negative Current Collector - 11%, Separator - 22%, Electrolyte -15%. Current materials cost: $415, Battery cost target = $500, includes materials, processing, profit. Materials Cost Breakdown Spinel, 8.5-Ah Cell - $4.96 Total. Positive Active Material - 14%, Positive Carbon and Binder - 15%, Negative Active Material 9%, Negative Binder - 3%, Positive Current Collector 5%, Negative Current Collector - 12%, Separator - 25%, Electrolyte - 17%. Projected materials cost: $238, 43% less. Li1+Mn2-xOs. GDR Natural Graphite. LiPDF6 in EC:PC:EMC (3:3:4). width=

Sample Results of Battery Cost Model