🔋 1. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) — the dominant EV and electronics battery
Examples: NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt), NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum), LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate)
| Variant | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| NMC / NCA | 🔹 High energy density → long range🔹 Fast charging🔹 Common in Tesla, VW, Hyundai | ⚠️ Expensive (nickel/cobalt)⚠️ Can overheat if damaged |
| LFP | 🔹 Very safe and stable🔹 Long cycle life (>3000 cycles)🔹 Cheaper – no cobalt🔹 Can stay at 100% charge safely | ⚠️ Lower energy density → shorter range⚠️ Weaker cold-weather performance |
💡 In short:
- NMC/NCA = high performance, expensive
- LFP = cheap and robust, but heavier and weaker in cold climates
🔋 2. Lithium-Titanate (LTO)
Used in: buses, grid storage systems
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Extremely long life (10,000–20,000 cycles)🔹 Ultra-fast charging (10–15 min)🔹 Excellent cold-weather tolerance | ⚠️ Very low energy density (large & heavy)⚠️ High production cost |
💡 In short: LTO = super-fast and long-lasting, but too heavy for cars.
🔋 3. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Used in: older hybrids (e.g., early Toyota Prius)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Reliable and cheap🔹 Heat-resistant🔹 Easier to recycle | ⚠️ Low energy density⚠️ Memory effect reduces capacity⚠️ Slow charging |
💡 In short: NiMH = durable but outdated for modern BEVs.
🔋 4. Lead-acid
Used in: starter batteries, UPS, backup systems
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Very cheap🔹 Mature technology🔹 High starting current | ⚠️ Heavy⚠️ Low energy density⚠️ Short lifespan (300–500 cycles)⚠️ Contains toxic lead |
💡 In short: best for 12 V systems, not propulsion.
🔋 5. Solid-State Batteries (next-gen)
Developed by: Toyota, QuantumScape, BMW, Solid Power, etc.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Very high energy density🔹 Fast charging🔹 Low fire risk🔹 Compact and lightweight | ⚠️ Very expensive prototypes⚠️ Durability and manufacturing challenges⚠️ Likely commercial 2027–2030 |
💡 In short: solid-state = the future, but not yet mass-ready.
🔋 6. Sodium-ion (Na-ion)
Developed by: CATL, BYD, Farasis, etc.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Cheap raw materials (no lithium, cobalt, nickel)🔹 Performs better than LFP in cold climates🔹 Safe and sustainable | ⚠️ Lower energy density (~⅔ of LFP)⚠️ Limited availability (mass production 2025–26) |
💡 In short: sodium-ion = cheap, safe, eco-friendly, but less range — ideal for small EVs or stationary storage.
⚙️ Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Energy Density | Safety | Cost | Lifespan | Fast Charging | Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMC/NCA | 🔋🔋🔋🔋 | ⚠️ | 💰💰💰 | 🔋🔋 | 🔌🔌🔌 | ✅ |
| LFP | 🔋🔋🔋 | ✅✅✅ | 💰 | 🔋🔋🔋🔋 | 🔌🔌 | ✅ |
| LTO | 🔋 | ✅✅✅ | 💰💰💰💰 | 🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋 | 🔌🔌🔌🔌 | ⚙️ |
| NiMH | 🔋 | ✅ | 💰 | 🔋🔋 | 🔌 | ✅ (for HEV) |
| Lead-acid | 🔋 | ⚠️ | 💰 | 🔋 | 🔌 | ✅ |
| Solid-State | 🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋 | ✅✅✅ | 💰💰💰💰 | 🔋🔋🔋? | 🔌🔌🔌🔌 | 🧪 (in R&D) |
| Na-ion | 🔋🔋 | ✅✅✅ | 💰 | 🔋🔋🔋 | 🔌🔌 | 🧪 (launching 2025–26) |