Summary
- Toyota-funded research project found a charging practice that extends battery lifespan by up to 70%
- Initial charging cycles in factory are slow and time-consuming at low currents, but high currents improve performance
- Charging lithium-ion batteries at high speeds for the first time extends lifespan by 50-70%
- The initial charging cycles stabilize the battery pack and impact performance, longevity, and quality
- The study found that the traditional first-charging methods are time-consuming and with high current initial charging, the lost lithium content becomes part of the protective layer on the negative electrode, ultimately improving battery lifespan.
Article
Toyota-funded Research Project Extends EV Battery Lifespan
A Toyota-funded research project discovered a charging practice that can extend the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries by up to 70%. The study, published in the scientific research paper Joule, found that charging lithium-ion batteries for the first time at high speeds can increase their lifespan by an average of 50% and up to 70%. This novel approach challenges traditional notions about initial charging cycles and highlights the importance of the formation process in battery manufacturing.
Boosting Battery Health and Minimizing Degradation
Before EV owners even plug in their vehicles for the first time, the battery undergoes a critical step called "formation" that involves carefully controlled charging and discharging cycles. According to the study, researchers found that high-formation charge currents during the first cycle can extend battery life significantly. This process helps stabilize the battery pack, activate the materials within the cells, and ultimately influences the battery’s performance, longevity, and overall quality.
High Currents During Initial Charging Phases
Traditional battery manufacturing practices involve giving batteries their first charge with low current, which can be time-consuming and present bottlenecks in production. However, the new technique discovered in the study involves pumping high current into the pack during the very first charge, leading to as much as 30% lithium loss compared to 9% with traditional methods. This lost lithium becomes part of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that forms on the surface of the negative electrode during the first charge, ultimately protecting the electrode and extending the pack’s lifespan.
Impact of High-Speed Charging on Battery Performance
By conducting 186 charging and discharging cycles across 62 formation protocols, battery scientists from SLAC-Stanford, Toyota Research Institute, MIT, and the University of Washington found that high-speed charging can have a positive impact on battery performance and lifespan. The additional headspace created in both electrodes due to lithium loss from high initial current can ultimately improve battery performance and longevity. This research challenges traditional battery manufacturing practices and offers a potentially more efficient and effective way to extend battery age.
Contrasting Consumer and Industry Experiences
While the electric vehicle movement may face challenges such as uneven sales, range anxiety, and limited charger availability, behind-the-scenes efforts in battery research and development are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Both Tesla and Toyota have funded studies that challenge conventional wisdom in battery technology, highlighting the importance of ongoing research to improve EV battery performance and lifespan. With new techniques such as high-speed charging during the formation process, manufacturers may be able to enhance battery quality and durability.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota-funded research project offers valuable insights into improving electric vehicle battery lifespan through high-speed charging during the formation process. By challenging traditional methods and finding new ways to optimize battery performance, researchers are paving the way for advancements in EV technology. As the industry continues to evolve, ongoing research and innovation will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency, longevity, and overall quality of electric vehicle batteries.
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