03.4 Electric vehicle batteries
What is an electric vehicle traction battery?
An EV traction battery is rechargeable energy storage that supplies power to the electric motor very quickly, giving EVs high performance & rapid acceleration.
To better understand a traction battery, & the challenges of extinguishing one should it ignite, let's look at how EV traction battery packs are constructed.
Traction battery
How an electric vehicle
lithium ion traction battery pack is constructed
Multiple individual lithium ion battery cells are connected to make a battery module. A group of connected battery modules is contained within an enclosed battery casing with underbody protection. This is known as a battery pack.
In a passenger electric vehicle, the battery pack is typically located along the floor pan of the vehicle, in a rectangle or 'T" shape.
Commercial & public transport electric vehicles may have multiple battery packs located at the front, rear, sides & even the roof of the vehicle.
1.
Battery cells
Cylindrical, prismatic & pouch lithium battery cells are most commonly used in electric vehicle traction battery packs. Blade cells are becoming more popular
Cylindrical
(see below for detail)
Pouch
Prismatic
2.
Battery modules
Battery cells contained within a module (these are prismatic)
3.
Battery pack
Battery modules connected in series create a pack
4.
Electric vehicle chassis (exploded view)
Battery pack
5.
Electric vehicle chassis
