Why Lithium-Ion batteries for EV sports cars?

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the primary choice for electric vehicles (EVs), including electric sports cars, due to their high energy and power density. They can store a large amount of energy relative to their weight, enabling EVs to travel longer distances on a single charge. As soon as the batteries advanced enough to propel an EV at speeds of hundreds of kilometers, EV sportscars became an inevitability.

Lithium is notoriously reactive, and batteries made with it often hold high voltage and exceptional charge, yielding an efficient, energy-dense form of energy storage. Consequently, lithium-based batteries are expected to remain dominant in EVs for the foreseeable future thanks to plunging manufacturing costs, improvements in performance, and their inherent circularity.

Lithium-Ion battery chemistry in EV sports car batteries

The majority of electric sports car batteries use a Lithium-ion battery chemistry called NMC (lithiated nickel manganese cobalt), or NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) instead of the LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry used in base EV models and 2 wheelers or L5 Vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries consist of positive and negative electrodes made from lithium compounds, such as lithium cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate, and an electrolyte, typically a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent.

For grand prix-level EV sports cars, such as those in the Formula E series, the exact specifications of the batteries used are not publicly disclosed for competitive reasons, however, these batteries must meet the FIA's standards for high-voltage safety.

The battery's role in the performance of an EV sports car

The battery in an EV sports car plays an active role in its performance. It delivers power to the motor via the controller, creating the magnetic force that makes the wheels turn, and absorbing kinetic energy through regenerative braking. The size or capacity of the battery determines the vehicle's range, and its energy density impacts the vehicle's weight and efficiency. Higher energy density batteries yield improved performance, efficiency, handling, and agility.

Engineering EV sports car Lithium-Ion batteries for intense conditions & driver safety

Safety is a paramount concern when engineering lithium-ion batteries for EV sports cars. The inherent dangers of thermal runaway, where the battery temperature increases uncontrollably leading to a fire or explosion, are mitigated through various safety measures. These include built-in protection circuitry to monitor and control voltage, current, and temperature, and a porous separator to prevent direct contact between the anode and cathode.

For racer-level safety, the FIA has launched a new set of technical regulations for Electric Sport Vehicles (FIA ESV), designed to allow affordable, entry-level electric racing in compliance with the FIA's standards for high-voltage safety. These regulations cover both technology and safety, with performance management also an option depending on competition requirements.

As technology advances, we can expect further improvements in energy density, safety measures, and overall performance, paving the way for the continued growth and success of electric sports car racing.

Future developments in Lithium-Ion batteries for EV sports cars

As the demand for higher-end electric sports cars continues to grow, in parallel so does the need for advancements in lithium-ion battery technology. Researchers worldwide are constantly exploring ways to improve the energy density, lifespan, safety, and cost-effectiveness of these batteries.

One promising area of research is the development of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. These batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium-ion batteries with a solid material, which can potentially offer higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan. A growing area of focus is the reduction of cobalt in the battery's cathode due to its high cost and ethical concerns related to its mining.

Research reveals that using recycled high-purity raw materials to manufacture EV batteries yields higher performance and life versus virgin primary ecosystem materials, i.e. freshly mined minerals.

Another promising high-performance battery technology on the way is the Lithium-air battery, a type of metal-air battery that uses oxygen from the air as a reactant along with highly pure metallic lithium. They have the potential for very high energy density but are still in the experimental stages of development and face challenges such as short life spans and low efficiency during discharge and charge cycles.