Mobility
Batteries are revolutionising the transport sector with various degrees of hybridisation and electrification – from start/stop to mild hybrid, plugin hybrid and full electric vehicles. Batteries will be a key element for the decarbonisation of mobility.
Automotive SLI
Automotive SLI (starting-lighting-ignition) batteries are required to power a vehicle’s starter motor, lights and ignition system, as well as providing power to the vehicle’s on-board electronics.
In start-stop and basic micro-hybrid vehicles, the installed battery must also provide start-stop functionality and entry-level braking recuperation. Lead-based batteries are currently the only available mass-market technology for these applications. They are used all the way from the conventional SLI battery to the auxiliary lead battery in electric vehicles to power the 12V board-net and to provide safety functions. The so-called “mild hybrids” use a 48 volt system with a combination of lead and lithium batteries to store energy while breaking, which is then used to boost the vehicle’s acceleration and/or power certain functions of the ICE, such as brakes, steering or air-conditioning.
Electric and hybrid vehicles will be a cornerstone of the strategy to decarbonise the transport sector, with a 35% benchmark for newly sold passenger cars by 2030, as agreed by the EU Institutions.
In plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles, high voltage battery systems of at least 15kWh are installed to provide significant levels of vehicle propulsion, either for daily trips (20-50km) in plug-in hybrid vehicles, or as the only energy source in full electric vehicles (100km+). Comparatively, batteries for electric vehicles require a higher energy density because of their longer electric driving ranges. Therefore, the battery’s energy density is a primary focus in this class. Fast recharge capability is also required to limit the period of time needed for recharge, with quick recharge to 80% important to extend the operating range of the vehicle. Batteries for both types of vehicle must also be highly efficient, with low internal electrical resistance and sufficient calendar life.