Overview of Battery Technologies used for Automotive Applications

Batteries of several technologies are employed in different automotive applications, helping vehicle manufacturers meet EU targets for reduced CO2 emissions from transport. Advanced lead-based batteries now provide start-stop functionality and other micro-hybrid features in a significant proportion of the new vehicles created in Europe, directly lowering their fuel consumption by 5-10%. The various grades of hybrid powertrain also require different battery combinations to provide a level of vehicle propulsion, while high-voltage lithium-ion and sodium-nickel chloride batteries have been employed to deliver zero emission driving in Europe’s first generation of electric vehicles.
This report provides a joint industry analysis of how different types of batteries are used in these automotive applications, with the intention to increase the level of information publicly available on the topic.