Lithium auto battery- towards new age

Lithium batteries! Most of us, who use cell phones or laptops, must have heard this word. Since the early 1990s, these batteries have powered portable electronic items. Now, these batteries are recognized as future of the auto industry. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery has become increasingly popular in electronic devices as these batteries hold electric charges longer. Light weight as compared to other rechargeable batteries, is another added advantage. Lithium-ion batteries are used in various consumer electronic items like iPods, cell phones, digital cameras and laptop computers. Many car manufacturing companies are now looking forward for the use of these batteries in the cars.

To know more about new age of auto industry and lithium auto battery, continue reading.

Like all other industry, auto industry has seen lots of alterations. Since last few years, we are facing various problems like increasing fuel expenses, pollution, etc. All these have forced us to find ways inexpensive renewable energy that will reduce auto emissions as well. That has caused lithium batteries to be placed in some vehicles. Until now, overheating problems and the environmental safety with lithium batteries that affected laptops earlier appear to have been limited. Lithium auto battery is now preferred choice due to its several benefits. Most of the lithium batteries, used in automotives are lithium-ion batteries.

Let us have a look at features and chemistry of lithium ion battery.

Lithium ion battery- Chemistry

• Most lithium ion batteries use graphite as the anode. Generally, the cathode is made up of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide or lithium iron phosphate. The selection of cathode generally depends on the balance between charge deterioration, capacity and voltage.
• Safety is concern, because of explosions of a few mishandled lithium ion battery designs. Electrical current is produced by the movement of the lithium ion from the cathode to the anode, and is reversed while recharging. There is a thin layer or a medium between the anode and cathode. In general, it is an organic solvent plus a solid lithium salt.

Lithium ion battery-Features

• A lithium ion battery is designed specially to generate electricity through the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode.
• They offer one of the best power-to-weight ratios as compared to other available equivalent.
• Lithium ion batteries are rechargeable and easy to use.

Car Fire Potential

Earlier there was concern for safety of battery. Preventing Lithium-ion battery fires has been a major concern for car manufacturers. Many car makers use a computer controlled liquid cooling system, which helps avoid overheating. Overcharging a Lithium-ion battery can be dangerous as lithium oxide can turn into metallic lithium due to excess heat. This can increase the danger of a battery explosion. To address this issue, laptops make use of "smart" Lithium-ion batteries that feature integrated sensors to control current, temperature and voltage. This control can help keep the batteries comparatively safe.

It is true that lithium batteries do have some issues, but their advantages definitely make them better choice. Efforts, money and time have been invested into developing systems to address these issues. Days are no long, when lithium batteries will be used not only in laptops, cell phones but also autos safely.