A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF CATHODE MATERIALS FOR LITHIUM-ION ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES

Abstract

There has been an intensive research and development focus on Lithium-ion batteries, which has revolutionized the electric vehicle market due to the batteries’ high energy and power density, longer lifespan and increased safety than comparable rechargeable battery technologies. The performance of lithium-ion batteries is achieved by packaging design, electrolyte and electrodes material’s selection. This study will focus on cathode materials as they currently need to overcome critical challenges. In fact, cathode materials affect energy density, rate capability and working voltage that led to the cathode currently costing twice as much as the anode. For this reason this study will review the cathode materials for electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries under economic and environmental perspectives. Further, actual installed lithium-ion batteries within the commercial electric vehicle market will be compared and measured against suggested economic and environmental sound materials.