A Look at Cell Formats and how to Build a good Battery
Early batteries of the 1700s and 1800s were mostly encased in glass jars. As the batteries grew in size, jars shifted to sealed wooden containers and composite materials. There were few size standards, except perhaps the No. 6 Dry Cell named after its six inches of height. Other sizes were hand-built for specific uses. With the move to portability, sealed cylindrical cells emerged that led to standards. In around 1917, the National Institute of Standards and Technology formalized the alphabet nomenclature that is still used today. Table 1 summarizes these historic and current battery sizes.
Size |
Dimensions |
History |
F cell |
33 x 91 mm |
Introduced in 1896 for lanterns; later used for radios; only available in nickel-cadmium today |
E cell |
N/A |
Introduced ca. 1905 to power box lanterns and hobby applications. Discontinued ca. 1980 |
D cell |
34.2 x 61.5mm |
Introduced in 1898 for flashlights and radios; still current |
C cell |
25.5 x 50mm | Introduced ca. 1900 to attain smaller form factor |
Sub-C |
22.2 x 42.9mm |
Cordless tool battery. Other sizes are ½, 4/5 and 5/4 sub-C lengths. Mostly NiCd. |
B cell |
20.1 x 56.8mm |
Introduced in 1900 for portable lighting, including bicycle lights in Europe; discontinued in in North America in 2001 |
A cell |
17 x 50mm |
Only available as a NiCd or NiMH cell; also available in 2/3 and 4/5 size. Popular in old laptops and hobby batteries. |
AA cell |
14.5 x 50mm |
Introduced in 1907 as penlight battery for pocket lights and spy tool in WWI; added to ANSI standard in 1947. |
AAA cell |
10.5 x 44.5mm |
Developed in 1954 to reduce size for Kodak and Polaroid cameras. Added to ANSI standard in 1959 |
AAAA cell |
8.3 x 42.5mm |
Offshoot of 9V, since 1990s; used for laser pointers, LED penlights, computer styli, headphone amplifiers. |
4.5V battery |
67 x 62 |
Three cells form a flat pack; short terminal strip is positive, long strip is negative; common in Europe, Russia |
9V battery |
48.5 x 26.5 |
Introduced in 1956 for transistor radios; contains six prismatic or AAAA cells. Added to ANSI standard in 1959 |
18650 |
18 x 65mm |
Developed in the mid-1990s for lithium-ion-ion; commonly used in laptops, e-bikes, including Tesla EV cars |
26650 |
26 x 65mm |
Larger Li-ion. Some measure 26x70mm sold as 26700. Common chemistry is LiFeO4 for UPS, hobby, automotive. |
14500 |
14x 50mm |
Li-ion, similar size to AA. (Observe voltage incompatibility: NiCd/NiMH = 1.2V, alkaline = 1.5V, Li-ion = 3.6V) |
Table 1: Common old and new battery norms
Standardization included primary cells, mostly in carbon-zinc; alkaline emerged only in the early 1960s. With the popularity of the sealed nickel-cadmium in the 1950s and 1960s, new sizes appeared, many of which were derived from the “A” and “C” sizes. Manufacturers of Li-ion departed from conventional sizes and invented their own.
The International Electrochemical Commission (IEC), a non-governmental standards organization founded in 1906, developed standards for most rechargeable batteries under the number of 600086. The relevant US standards are the ANSI C18 series developed by the US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
A successful standard for a cylindrical cell is the 18650. Developed in the mid-1990s for lithium-ion, these cells power laptops, electric bicycles and even electric vehicles, as with the Tesla cars. The first two digits designate the diameter in millimeters; the next three digits are the length in tenths of millimeters. The 18650 is 18mm in diameter and 65.0mm in length.
Prismatic cells use the first two digits to indicate the thickness in tenth of millimeters. The next two digits designate the widths and the last two provide the length of the cell in millimeters. The 564656P prismatic cell, for example, is 5.6mm thick, 46mm wide and 56mm long. P stands for prismatic. Because of the large variety of chemistries and their diversity within, battery cells do not mark the chemistry.
Looking at the batteries in mobile phones and laptops one sees a departure of established standards. This is in part due to the manufacturer’s inability to agree on a standard. Most consumer devices come with a custom-made battery. Compact design and tailoring to market demands are swaying manufacturers away from standards. High volume tolerates unique sizes that are often short-lived.
In the early days, a battery was perceived as “big” and this reflects in the sizing convention. While the “F” nomenclature may have been chosen as a middle-of-the-road battery in the late 1800s, our forefathers did not forestall that a tiny battery could do computing, serve as telephone and shoot pictures in a smartphone. Running out of letters towards the smaller sizes led to the awkward of AA, AAA and AAAA designation.
Since the introduction of the 9V battery in 1956, no new format emerged. Meanwhile portable devices lowered the operating voltages and 9V is overkill. The battery has six cells in series and is expensive to manufacture. A 3.6V alternative would serve well. This pack should have a coding system to prevent charging primaries and selecting the correct charge algorithm for secondary chemistries.
Starter batteries for vehicles also follow battery norms, which consist of the North American BCI, the European DIN and the Japanese JIS standards. These batteries are similar in footprint to allow swapping. To standardize, American car manufacturers are converting to the American DIN size batteries. Deep-cycle and stationary batteries have no standardized norms and the replacement packs must be sourced from the original maker. The attempt to standardize electric vehicle batteries may not work either and follow the failed attempt of common laptop batteries in the 1990s.
Cylindrical Cell
The cylindrical cell continues to be one of the most widely used packaging styles for primary and secondary batteries. The advantages are ease of manufacture and good mechanical stability. The tubular cylinder can withstand high internal pressures without deforming.
Most lithium and nickel-based cylindrical cells include a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) switch. When exposed to excessive current, the normally conductive polymer heats up and becomes resistive, acting as short circuit protection. Once the short is removed, the PTC cools down and returns to conductive state.
Most cylindrical cells also feature a pressure relief mechanism. The most simplistic design utilizes a membrane seal that ruptures under high pressure. Leakage and dry-out may occur after the membrane breaks. Re-sealable vents with a spring-loaded valve are the preferred design. Some Li-ion cells connect the pressure relief valve to an electrical fuse that opens the cell if an unsafe pressure builds up. Figure 2 shows a cross section of a cylindrical cell.
Typical applications for the cylindrical cell are power tools, medical instruments and laptops. To allow variations within a given size, manufacturers use fractural cell length, such as half and three-quarter formats.
|
Figure 2: Cross section of a The cylindrical cell design has good cycling ability, offers a long calendar life, is economical but is heavy and has low packaging density due to space cavities. Courtesy of Sanyo |
Nickel-cadmium provided the largest variety of cell choices and some spilled over to nickel-metal-hydride, but not to lithium-ion as this chemistry established its own formats. The 18650s illustrated in Figure 3 remains one of the most popular cell packages.
|
Figure 3: Popular 18650 lithium-ion cell The metallic cylinder measure 18mm in diameter and 65mm the length. The larger 26650 cell measures 26mm in diameter. Courtesy of Cadex |
In 2013, 2.55 billion 18650 cells were produced; earlier with 2.2Ah and now mostly with a capacity of 2.8Ah. Some newer 18650 Energy Cells are 3.1Ah and the capacity will grow to 3.4Ah by 2017. Cell manufacturers prepare for the 3.9Ah 18650, a format that they hope will be made available at the same cost as lower capacity versions.
The 18650 is the most optimized cell and offers the lowest cost per Wh. As consumers move to the flat designs, the 18650 is peaking and there is over-production. Batteries may eventually be made with flat cells but experts say that the 18650 will continue to lead the market. Figure 4 shows the over-supply situation that has been corrected thanks to the demand of the Tesla electric vehicles.
![]() |
Figure 4: Demand and supply of the 18650. The demand for the 18650 would have peaked in 2011 had it not been for Tesla. The switch to a flat-design in consumer products and larger format for the electric powertrain will eventually peak the 18650. Courtesy Avicenne Energy |
The larger 26650 cell with a diameter of 26mm instead of 18mm did not gain the same popularity as the 18650. The 26650 is commonly used in load-leveling systems with Li iron phosphate.
Some lead acid systems also borrow the cylindrical design. Known as the Hawker Cyclone, this cell offers improved cell stability, higher discharge currents and better temperature stability compared to the conventional prismatic design.
Even though the cylindrical cell does not fully utilize the space by creating air cavities on side-by-side placement, the 18650 has a higher energy density than a prismatic/pouch Li-ion cell. The 3Ah 18650 delivers 248Wh/kg, whereas a modern pouch cell has only 143Ah/kg. The higher energy density of the cylindrical cell compensates for its less ideal stacking characteristics. The empty space can be used for cooling to improve thermal management.
Cell disintegration cannot always be prevented but propagation can. The cylindrical concept lends itself better to stop propagation should one cell take off than is possible with the prismatic/pouch design. In addition, a cylindrical design does not change size whereas the prismatic/pouch will grow. A 5mm prismatic can expand to 8mm with use. In spite of the apparent advantages of the cylindrical design, advances are made with the pouch cell and experts predict a shift to this flat format.
Button Cell
The button cell, also known as coin cell, satisfied the requirement of compact design in portable devices of the 1980s. Higher voltages were achieved by stacking the cells into a tube. Cordless telephones, medical devices and security wands at airports used these batteries.
Although small and inexpensive to build, the stacked button cell fell out of favor and gave way to more conventional battery formats. A drawback of the button cell is swelling if charged too rapidly. Button cells have no safety vent and can only be charged at a 10- to 16-hour charge; however, newer designs claim rapid charge capability.
Most button cells in use today are non-rechargeable and are found in medical implants, watches, hearing aids, car keys and memory backup. Figure 5 illustrates the button cells with accompanying cross section. A cautionary note applies to button cells to keep out of reach of children as swallowing can cause serious health problems.
|
|
Figure 5: Button cells. Also known as coin cell, most are primary for single-cell use.
Courtesy of Sanyo and Panasonic
Prismatic Cell
Introduced in the early 1990s, the modern prismatic cell satisfies the demand for thinner sizes. Wrapped in elegant packages resembling a box of chewing gum or a small chocolate bar, prismatic cells make optimal use of space by using the layered approach. Others designs may be wound and flattened into a pseudo-prismatic jelly. These cells are predominantly found in mobile phones, tablets and low-profile laptops and range from 800mAh to 4,000mAh. No universal format exists and each manufacturer designs its own.
Prismatic cells are also available in large formats. Packaged in welded aluminum housings, the cells deliver capacities of 20 to 30Ah and are primarily used for electric powertrains in hybrid and electric vehicles. Figure 6 shows the prismatic cell.
|
Figure 6: Cross section The prismatic cell improves space utilization and allows flexible design but it can be more expensive to manufacture, less efficient in thermal management and have a shorter cycle life than the cylindrical design. Courtesy of Polystor Corporation
|
The prismatic cell requires a slightly thicker wall to compensate for decreased mechanical stability compared to the cylindrical design. Some swelling due to gas buildup is normal. Discontinue using the battery if the distortion becomes so large that it presses against the battery compartment. Bulging batteries can damage equipment.
Pouch Cell
In 1995 the pouch cell surprised the battery world with a radical new design. Rather than using a metallic cylinder and glass-to-metal electrical feed-through, conductive foil-tabs are welded to the electrodes and brought to the outside in a fully sealed way. Figure 7 illustrates a pouch cell.
|
Figure 7: The pouch cell The pouch cell offers a simple, flexible and lightweight solution to battery design. Exposure to high humidity and hot temperature can shorten service life. Courtesy of Cadex |
The pouch cell makes the most efficient use of space and achieves a 90–95 percent packaging efficiency, the highest among battery packs. Eliminating the metal enclosure reduces weight but the cell needs some support in the battery compartment. The pouch pack finds applications in consumer, military and automotive applications. No standardized pouch cells exist; each manufacturer designs its own.
Pouch packs are commonly Li-polymer and serve well as Power Cells by delivery high current. The capacity is lower than Li-ion in the cylindrical package and the flat-cell may be less durable. Expect some swelling; 8–10 percent over 500 cycles is normal. Provision must be made in the battery compartment for expansion. It is best not to stack pouch cells on top of each other but to lay them flat side by side. Prevent sharp edges that can stress the pouch as they expand.
Extreme swelling is a concern but battery manufacturers insist that these batteries do not generate excess gases. Most swelling can be blamed on improper manufacturing. Users of pouch packs have reported up to three percent swelling incidents on a poor batch run. The pressure created can crack the battery cover, and in some cases break the display and electronic circuit boards. Manufacturers say that an inflated cell is safe. Discontinue using the battery and do not puncture it in close proximity to heat or fire. The escaping gases can ignite. Figure 8 shows a swollen pouch cell.
|
Figure 8: Swelling pouch cell Swelling can occur as part of gas generation. Battery manufacturers are at odds why this happens. A 5mm (0.2”) battery in a hard shell can grow to 8mm (0.3”), more in a foil package. Courtesy of Cadex |
Pouch cells are manufactured by including a temporary “gasbag” on the side. During the first charge, gases escape into the gasbag. The gasbag is cut off and the pack is resealed as part of the finishing process. Subsequent charges should no longer produce gases. Ballooning indicates that the manufacturing process may not be fully understood. Manual labor may also contribute the cause.
The prismatic and pouch cells have the potential for greater energy than the cylindrical format but the technology to produce large formats is not yet mature. The cost per kWh is still higher than the 18650. As a comparison, the cost for the Nissan Leaf with Pouch/Prismatic cells is $455/kWh and best practice (DoE/AABC) with pouch/prismatic is $350/kWh. The lowest price per kWh is the Tesla EV with the 18650 cells. The Tesla Gen III battery goes for $290/kWh (Estimations by Greenwich Strategy).
Summary
With the introduction of the sintered nickel-cadmium in 1947, the rechargeable battery became portable and moved to a cylindrical format. Internal pressure was allowed to build up that helped in the absorption of gases during charge, preventing dry out. Nickel-cadmium thus became the pioneer of the cylindrical rechargeable battery.
It was only in 1995 that the pouch cell appeared; packaged in a similar format to perishable food we buy in a store. Intended to be cheaper to manufacture and more flexible in form factor, further developments are needed to bring this amazing concept cell to the same performance level of the cylindrical version.
- Cylindrical cell has the best performance and mechanical stability. High volume allows a fully automated manufacturing process. The cell has good cycling ability, offers a long calendar life, is economical to manufacture, but is heavy and has a low packaging density.
- Prismatic cell are encased in aluminum or steel housing for stability. Jelly-rolled or stacked, they are more expensive to manufacture and less consistent in performance than cylindrical cells. The prismatic cell is less efficient in thermal management and may have a shorter cycle life.
- Pouch cell is a cell in a bag using laminated architecture. The cell is light and cost-effective to manufacture but exposure to high humidity and hot temperature can shorten life. A swelling factor of 8–10 percent over 500 cycles is normal. Future batteries by be the pouch.
Figure 9 illustrates the price in $US/Wh of the cylindrical, prismatic and pouch cell, also known as laminated cell. While the cylindrical cell has been most economical, the flat-cell designs are getting more competitive in price. Once equal and better in performance to the cylindrical counterpart, a shift to the pouch cell may occur, but battery expert estimate a few years before this will happen.
![]() |
Figure 9: Price of Li-ion ($US/Wh) The price of Li-ion is dropping and the differences between prismatic and pouch formats (laminate) are narrowing. Courtesy Avicenne Energy |
Frequently Asked Questions about Li-ion Cells
Not all cells are made the same and true performance will only come to light after a battery pack has endured two and more years of field service. When building a pack, select a cell that meets the loading requirements and then build it a bit larger to reduce stress. Evaluating a cell by cycling does not reflect true field conditions. A serious pack maker must pay the price for a quality cell. Table 10 answers FAQs.
Question | Fact |
---|---|
Is lithium-polymer superior? | “Polymer” is a Li-ion in a pouch pack with no common definition. (See BU-206 Li-polymer Battery: Substance of Hype) |
Do I get more capacity using flat than cylindrical cells? | No. Prismatic/pouch cell have lower capacities than the 18650. Li-ion pouch cell = 150Ah/kg; Li-ion in 18650 up to 248Wh/kg. |
Do flat cells pack easier than cylindrical? | Flat cells must allow space for swelling; the 18650 does not change size. Thermal management is harder with flat cell. |
Is the flat cell cheaper than the cylindrical? | No. 18650 has lowest cost/Wh. The cost of flat cell pack is $350/kWh; 18650 pack is $290/kWh (EV battery pricing). |
What do I need to know when buying a Li-ion cell? |
|
Do I need cell-balancing? |
|
What does the protection circuit do? | The mandatory protection circuit only controls outside stress and cannot stop a disintegrating cell once in process. |
What should I observe in a pack design? | Isolate the cells to prevent propagation of a failing cell. Quality cells have a very low failure rate. |
How are quality cell checked? | Manufacturers include self-discharge test and cell matching. Yield is 50–100%. Rejected cells are sold at barging prices. |
How is the cost divided? | On an 18650, 50% goes to material; 50% is manufacturing. |
What are recommended 18650 makers? | Panasonic, Samsung, LG Chem, E-One Moli. |
Table 10: Clearing misunderstandings in the choice of Li-ion cells
About the Author
Isidor Buchmann is the founder and CEO of Cadex Electronics Inc. For three decades, Buchmann has studied the behavior of rechargeable batteries in practical, everyday applications, has written award-winning articles including the best-selling book “Batteries in a Portable World,” now in its third edition. Cadex specializes in the design and manufacturing of battery chargers, analyzers and monitoring devices. For more information on batteries, visit www.batteryuniversity.com; product information is on www.cadex.com.
Last Updated 2015-02-06
*** Please Read Regarding Comments ***
Comments are intended for "commenting," an open discussion amongst site visitors. Battery University monitors the comments and understands the importance of expressing perspectives and opinions in a shared forum. However, all communication must be done with the use of appropriate language and the avoidance of spam and discrimination.
If you have a question, require further information, have a suggestion or would like to report an error, use the "contact us" form or email us at: answers@cadex.com. While we make all efforts to answer your questions accurately, we cannot guarantee results. Neither can we take responsibility for any damages or injuries that may result as a consequence of the information provided. Please accept our advice as a free public support rather than an engineering or professional service.
Or Jump To A Different Article
- BU-001: Sharing Battery Knowledge
- BU-002: Introduction
- BU-003: Dedication
- BU-101: When Was the Battery Invented?
- BU-102: Early Innovators
- BU-103: Global Battery Markets
- BU-103a: Battery Breakthroughs: Myth or Fact?
- BU-104: Getting to Know the Battery
- BU-104a: Comparing the Battery with Other Power Sources
- BU-104b: Battery Building Blocks
- BU-104c: The Octagon Battery – What makes a Battery a Battery
- BU-105: Battery Definitions and what they mean
- BU-106: Advantages of Primary Batteries
- BU-106a: Choices of Primary Batteries
- BU-107: Comparison Table of Secondary Batteries
- BU-201: How does the Lead Acid Battery Work?
- BU-201a: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
- BU-201b: Gel Lead Acid Battery
- BU-202: New Lead Acid Systems
- BU-203: Nickel-based Batteries
- BU-204: How do Lithium Batteries Work?
- BU-205: Types of Lithium-ion
- BU-206: Lithium-polymer: Substance or Hype?
- BU-206a: Finding the Optimal Runtime and Power Ratio of Li-ion
- BU-208: Cycling Performance
- BU-209: How does a Supercapacitor Work?
- BU-210: How does the Fuel Cell Work?
- BU-210a: Why does Sodium-sulfur need to be heated
- BU-210b: How does the Flow Battery Work?
- BU-211: Alternate Battery Systems
- BU-212: Future Batteries
- BU-213: Cycle Performance of NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion
- BU-214: Summary Table of Lead-based Batteries
- BU-215: Summary Table of Nickel-based Batteries
- BU-216: Summary Table of Lithium-based Batteries
- BU-217: Summary Table of Alternate Batteries
- BU-218: Summary Table of Future Batteries
- BU-301: A look at Old and New Battery Packaging
- BU-301a: Types of Battery Cells
- BU-302: Series and Parallel Battery Configurations
- BU-303: Confusion with Voltages
- BU-304: Why are Protection Circuits Needed?
- BU-304a: Safety Concerns with Li-ion
- BU-304b: Making Lithium-ion Safe
- BU-304c: Battery Safety in Public
- BU-305: Building a Lithium-ion Pack
- BU-306: What is the Function of the Separator?
- BU-307: How does Electrolyte Work?
- BU-308: Availability of Lithium
- BU-309: How does Graphite Work in Li-ion?
- BU-310: How does Cobalt Work in Li-ion?
- BU-311: Battery Raw Materials
- BU-401: How do Battery Chargers Work?
- BU-401a: Fast and Ultra-fast Chargers
- BU-402: What Is C-rate?
- BU-403: Charging Lead Acid
- BU-404: What is Equalizing Charge?
- BU-405: Charging with a Power Supply
- BU-406: Battery as a Buffer
- BU-407: Charging Nickel-cadmium
- BU-408: Charging Nickel-metal-hydride
- BU-409: Charging Lithium-ion
- BU-409a: Why do Old Li-ion Batteries Take Long to Charge?
- BU-410: Charging at High and Low Temperatures
- BU-411: Charging from a USB Port
- BU-412: Charging without Wires
- BU-413: Charging with Solar, Turbine
- BU-413a: How to Store Renewable Energy in a Battery
- BU-414: How do Charger Chips Work?
- BU-415: How to Charge and When to Charge?
- BU-501: Basics about Discharging
- BU-501a: Discharge Characteristics of Li-ion
- BU-502: Discharging at High and Low Temperatures
- BU-503: How to Calculate Battery Runtime
- BU-504: How to Verify Sufficient Battery Capacity
- BU-601: How does a Smart Battery Work?
- BU-602: How does a Battery Fuel Gauge Work?
- BU-603: How to Calibrate a “Smart” Battery
- BU-604: How to Process Data from a “Smart” Battery
- Close Part One Menu
Introduction
Crash Course on Batteries
Battery Types
Packaging and Safety
Charge Methods
Discharge Methods
"Smart" Battery
- BU-701: How to Prime Batteries
- BU-702: How to Store Batteries
- BU-703: Health Concerns with Batteries
- BU-704: How to Transport Batteries
- BU-704a: Shipping Lithium-based Batteries by Air
- BU-704b: CAUTION & Overpack Labels
- BU-704c: Class 9 Label
- BU-705: How to Recycle Batteries
- BU-705a: Battery Recycling as a Business
- BU-706: Summary of Do’s and Don’ts
- BU-801: Setting Battery Performance Standards
- BU-801a: How to Rate Battery Runtime
- BU-801b: How to Define Battery Life
- BU-802: What Causes Capacity Loss?
- BU-802a: How does Rising Internal Resistance affect Performance?
- BU-802b: What does Elevated Self-discharge Do?
- BU-802c: How Low can a Battery be Discharged?
- BU-803: Can Batteries Be Restored?
- BU-803a: Cell Matching and Balancing
- BU-803b: What causes Cells to Short?
- BU-803c: Loss of Electrolyte
- BU-804: How to Prolong Lead-acid Batteries
- BU-804a: Corrosion, Shedding and Internal Short
- BU-804b: Sulfation and How to Prevent it
- BU-804c: Acid Stratification and Surface Charge
- BU-805: Additives to Boost Flooded Lead Acid
- BU-806: Tracking Battery Capacity and Resistance as part of Aging
- BU-806a: How Heat and Loading affect Battery Life
- BU-807: How to Restore Nickel-based Batteries
- BU-807a: Effect of Zapping
- BU-808: How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries
- BU-808a: How to Awaken a Sleeping Li-ion
- BU-808b: What Causes Li-ion to Die?
- BU-808c: Coulombic and Energy Efficiency with the Battery
- BU-809: How to Maximize Runtime
- BU-810: What Everyone Should Know About Aftermarket Batteries
- BU-901: Fundamentals in Battery Testing
- BU-902: How to Measure Internal Resistance
- BU-902a: How to Measure CCA
- BU-903: How to Measure State-of-charge
- BU-904: How to Measure Capacity
- BU-905: Testing Lead Acid Batteries
- BU-905a: Testing Starter Batteries in Vehicles
- BU-906: Testing Nickel-based Batteries
- BU-907: Testing Lithium-based Batteries
- BU-907a: Battery Rapid-test Methods
- BU-908: Battery Management System (BMS)
- BU-909: Battery Test Equipment
- BU-910: How to Repair a Battery Pack
- BU-911: How to Repair a Laptop Battery
- BU-912: How to Test Mobile Phone Batteries
- BU-913: How to Maintain Fleet Batteries
- BU-914: Battery Test Summary Table
- Close Part Two Menu
From Birth to Retirement
How to Prolong Battery Life
Battery Testing and Monitoring
- BU-1001: Batteries in Industries
- BU-1002: Electric Powertrain, then and now
- BU-1002a: Hybrid Electric Vehicles and the Battery
- BU-1003: Electric Vehicle (EV)
- BU-1004: Charging an Electric Vehicle
- BU-1005: Does the Fuel Cell-powered Vehicle have a Future?
- BU-1006: Cost of Mobile and Renewable Power
- BU-1007: Net Calorific Value
- BU-1008: Working towards Sustainability
- BU-1009: Battery Paradox - Afterword
- BU-1101: Glossary
- BU-1102: Abbreviations
- BU-1103: Bibliography
- BU-1104: About the Author
- BU-1105: About Cadex
- BU-1403: Author’s Creed
- BU-1501 Battery History
- BU-1502 Basics about Batteries
- BU-1503 How to Maintain Batteries
- BU-1504 Battery Test & Analyzing Devices
- BU-1505 Short History of Cadex
- Why Mobile Phone Batteries do not last as long as an EV Battery
- Battery Rapid-test Methods
- How to Charge Li-ion with a Parasitic Load
- Ultra-fast Charging
- Assuring Safety of Lithium-ion in the Workforce
- Diagnostic Battery Management
- Tweaking the Mobile Phone Battery
- Battery Test Methods
- Battery Testing and Safety
- How to Make Battery Performance Transparent
- Battery Diagnostics On-the-fly
- Making Battery State-of-health Transparent
- Batteries will eventually die, but when and how?
- Why does Pokémon Go rob so much Battery Power?
- How to Care for the Battery
- How to Rate Battery Runtime
- Tesla’s iPhone Moment — How the Powerwall will Change Global Energy Use
- Painting the Battery Green by giving it a Second Life
- Charging without Wires — A Solution or Laziness
- What everyone should know about Battery Chargers
- A Look at Cell Formats and how to Build a good Battery
- Battery Breakthroughs — Myth or Fact?
- Rapid-test Methods that No Longer Work
- Shipping Lithium-based Batteries by Air
- How to make Batteries more Reliable and Longer Lasting
- What causes Lithium-ion to die?
- Safety of Lithium-ion Batteries
- Recognizing Battery Capacity as the Missing Link
- Managing Batteries for Warehouse Logistics
- Caring for your Starter Battery
- Giving Batteries a Second Life
- How to Make Batteries in Medical Devices More Reliable
- Possible Solutions for the Battery Problem on the Boeing 787
- Impedance Spectroscopy Checks Battery Capacity in 15 Seconds
- How to Improve the Battery Fuel Gauge
- Examining Loading Characteristics on Primary and Secondary Batteries
- BU-001: Compartir conocimiento sobre baterías
- BU-002: Introducción
- BU-003: Dedicatoria
- BU-104: Conociendo la Batería
- BU-302: Configuraciones de Baterías en Serie y Paralelo
- Change-log of “Batteries in a Portable World,” 4th edition: Chapters 1 - 3
- Change-log of “Batteries in a Portable World,” 4th edition: Chapters 4 - 10
- Close Part Three Menu
Amazing Value of a Battery
Information
Learning Tools
Battery Pool
Language Pool
Batteries in a Portable World
Comments
Another great article! I remember seeing the tear down of a Leaf at Nissans development center in California… It’s interesting how Nissan used pouch cells and then encased them into metal modules… With a smart network that monitors individual cell temp and condition in theory you can replace defective cells, although there are less modules then in the Tesla…
I just purchased a soul EV and I can’t wait to dig into the technical specs, I understand they use a different chemistry then the leaf… http://insideevs.com/full-details-released-on-2015-kia-soul-evs-advanced-battery/
Many thanks to the folks at cadex! Proud to have you folks right here in my home town!
I wonder how big a TFB —Li-ion or other type— could be. In the cylindrical type, are the number of spires limited? Is the size proportional to fire hazards? In EV, I can´t think of a series of flashlight battery trays weighing hundreds of pounds and occupying so much space. Is the Pleistocene of EV batteries coming to an end in a near future? Can we manufacture bigger and lighter batteries?
Thank you.
Hello,
What would be the best battery to use in a motorbike for participating in competition race? We need high power for high speed and the less time possible to recharge.
Is there any graphene pouch cell available to fulfill this requirements?
Thanks!
im interested in building my own batteries for a special purpose self designed portable illumination system for tunnel constructing
this article provides a comprehensive and professional introduction of different types of lithium ion battery, as a former employee in ATL,i have recovered my knowleage on laminated lithium ion batteries design and production processes by reading this article,now i worked in EV industry as a BMS strategy designer,i would like to often visite this site to expand my knowleage in this field.