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Battery Technology

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Lead Acid

A hybrid vehicle uses a conventional lead acid battery for all the same reasons that a conventional automobile uses one. All hybrid vehicles still have lead acid batteries.

Lead-free alternatives, such as nickel metal hydride and lithium ion batteries, are already on the market in electric and electric-hybrid vehicles, and offer several advantages over conventional lead acid starter batteries. Performance and environmental benefits include:

  • Higher energy (power) density
  • Reduced weight/volume
  • Longer battery life
  • Improved fuel economy due to lighter weight and higher energy capacity
  • Less material used, lower toxicity, and potentially recyclable

Nickel Metal Hydride

A nickel metal hydride battery (abbreviated NiMH) is a type of rechargeable battery similar to a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, but has a hydride absorbing alloy for the anode instead of cadmium, which is an environmental hazard; therefore, it is less detrimental to the environment. Most - not all - current hybrids have a rechargeable NiMH battery as an integral part of their hybrid system, to assist in fuel savings and lower emissions. Applications of NiMH type batteries include hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.

Lithium Ion

Lithium ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-Ion) are a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in consumer electronics. They are currently one of the most popular types of battery, with one of the best energy-to-weight ratios, no memory effect and a slow loss of charge when not in use. Lithium ion battery applications have the potential of eclipsing the NiMH battery in hybrid vehicles [1]; compared to a lithium ion battery, the NiMH battery's volumetric energy density (amount of potential energy stored in the battery) is lower and self-discharge is higher. Lithium ion batteries are smaller, lighter, and have fewer volatile gases than NiMH batteries. However, they are not currently scaled for use in hybrid vehicle applications - while they have potential cost-saving attributes, they can be dangerous if mistreated, and, because they are less durable, may have a shorter lifespan compared to other battery types.

Related articles:

http://www.hybridcars.com/battery-comparison.html

http://www.evworld.com/view.cfm?section=article&storyid=1042

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