That depends. There is a wide range of regulations for lithium (Li) batteries. Some regulations, like those related to the transport of Li batteries and Li battery packs, have a broader impact than application-focused regulations like those for Li battery packs in electric vehicles (EVs) or industrial systems. This FAQ begins by looking at three…
Battery Power Tips
What’s the difference between quick charge and extreme fast charge?
Several things. First, quick charge is used with devices like smart phones and tablet computers, while extreme fast charging (XFC) is used with electric vehicles (EVs). Quick charge (QC) is generally slower than extreme fast charge. QC has competitors like universal serial bus power delivery (USB-PD), IEC 62680-1-2:2022, and USB extended power range (EPR). Tesla…
Are Li-ion or Na-ion batteries a more sustainable technology?
That’s a complex and dynamic question without a simple answer. The electrification of everything is expected to lead to post-lithium-ion battery (LIB) technologies like potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and possibly more exotic chemistries. In the near term, the dominance of LIBs will be almost unassailable. The key word is “almost”. Among the keys…
When does DC coupling maximize the performance of battery storage plus solar?
System architecture choices can significantly impact the delivery of reliable and sustainable energy from solar energy systems with integrated battery storage. DC-coupled systems can deliver improved energy production but can have less operational flexibility. And, while DC-coupled systems are more straightforward in terms of hardware, their control and management software needs can be more complex.…
What does electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have to do with Li-ion health?
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) can be used for estimating the power delivery capability and state of health (SoH) of Li-ion batteries. It is important because it has the potential to improve rapid and accurate SoH monitoring of Li-ion batteries and support more sustainable battery storage systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale energy storage systems.…
Fuse protects Li-Ion batteries from overcurrent and overcharging
Littelfuse, Inc. announced the extension of its ITV9550 surface-mountable Li-ion battery protector series. These fuses safeguard battery packs against overcurrent and overcharging (overvoltage) conditions. The latest ITV9550 addition provides a 60 amp, three-terminal fuse in a 9.5 x 5.0 mm footprint. The innovative design incorporates an embedded fuse and heater elements that provide fast response and…
EV basics: Comparing innovative battery chemistries
While lithium-ion battery chemistry dominates the current electric vehicle market, scientists are working to develop innovative battery chemistries that address the known challenges the existing chemistry presents. By Adam Kimmel for Mouser Electronics Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) continue to outpace the overall automotive segment, with EV market shares of 5.2% in Q1 and 5.6%…
Researchers claim to beat dendrite battery blues
Dendrites are projections of metal that can build up on the surface of lithium anodes and penetrate into the battery electrolyte, eventually crossing from one electrode to the other and shorting out the battery cell. What gives rise to these metal filaments has been somewhat of a mystery, and there has been little progress on…
Joint development agreement to enhance the domestic battery supply chain for automotive OEMs
6K announced that its 6K Energy division has signed a joint development agreement with Our Next Energy (ONE) to develop and produce the critical battery material that ONE will use in their Gemini and Aries battery platforms. The agreement strengthens the procurement of domestically produced electric vehicle batteries for automotive OEMs manufactured by ONE made with…
New solid-state battery components said to dramatically reduce fire risk
Solid-state battery materials maker Natrion released performance metrics for its patented solid-electrolyte separator in state-of-the-art Li-ion battery cells using graphite anode. The new material, LISIC278, is a version of Natrion’s patented Lithium Solid Ionic Composite (LISIC) electrolyte made to mimic the exact specifications of a standard polyolefin separator while utilizing significantly less liquid electrolyte. LISIC…