Contributed Collaborative Post
Did you know that electric vehicles (EVs) predate internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by more than 50 years? Moreover, the history of electric vehicle batteries started way back in the 1800s.
While some may consider EVs as fairly new technology that waspopularised in the last few years, crude versions of electricity-powered vehicles actually existed back in the early 1800s. In fact, the very first electric vehicle is credited to a Scottish inventor named Robert Anderson, who retrofitted a carriage with a motor and a non-rechargeable primary battery in 1835.
These days, electric vehicles are usually powered by thousands of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They have an incredibly high energy density, which allows drivers to use their vehicles even over long distances. What’s more, modern EV batteries with the right kind of charger are fast-charging and require only a short amount of charge time to get you to your destination. Combined with the ease of getting an EV charging point installation done at home, EVs and their batteries will eventually dominate the market, which can only lead to better technology in the near future.
From a non-rechargeable primary battery to fast-charging Li-ion batteries, how did EV batteries come about? Let’s take a look at the history behind the EV battery, from its humble beginnings to where itstands today.
1800 – At the dawn of the 19th century, Alessandro Volta’s invention of the voltaic pile laid the groundwork for the development of electric batteries.
The voltaic pile consisted of alternating layers of zinc and copper discs separated by cardboard soaked in saltwater. When connected by a conductor, such as a wire, the voltaic pile produces a continuous electric current. It demonstrated the principles of chemical reactions generating electrical energy.
1859 – Gaston Planté ushered in the era of rechargeable batteries with his creation of the lead-acid battery. His design featured lead plates immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte solution. During charging cycles, lead sulfate accumulates on the plates, while discharge prompts a reaction between lead dioxide and sponge lead, resulting in electricity generation.
This rechargeable battery represented a substantial leap in energy density and durability compared to preceding technologies, thereby setting the stage for the emergence of electric vehicles and contemporary battery systems.
1899 – Ernst Waldemar Jungner patented the nickel-iron electric storage battery, marking a significant advancement in battery technology. This rechargeable battery design featured nickel and iron electrodes immersed in an alkaline electrolyte solution. Unlike early battery models, it offers improved durability and longevity.
Despite its higher cost and lower energy density, Jungner’s nickel-iron battery gained popularity for its robustness and resistance to overcharging and deep discharging. Its introduction paved the way for subsequent developments in rechargeable battery technology in the 1900s. In fact, it would go on to influence the design of future battery systems.
1901 – Thomas Edison patented and commercially sold the nickel-iron battery, a durable and long-lasting alternative to lead-acid batteries.
The battery featured nickel and iron electrodes immersed in a potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution. This design aimed to address the limitations of lead-acid batteries by offering improved durability and longevity.
Edison’s nickel-iron battery was known for its robustness and ability to withstand repeated charge-discharge cycles without significant degradation. Despite its lower energy density and higher cost compared to other battery types, the nickel-iron battery found applications in various industries, including telecommunications and electric vehicles, during its time.
1912 – During the height of the electric vehicle’s popularity, there were around 30,000 EVs on US roads.
From 1897 to 1913, electric vehicles, powered by lead-acid batteries, competed alongside gas-powered and steam-driven vehicles. Some wealthy patrons still preferred the more expensive battery-operated vehicles because they generated no smoke, fewer vibrations, and less noise. However, the development of the internal combustion engine led to lower prices. What’s more, ICE vehicles become faster and more efficient.
Coinciding with these developments in ICE vehicles was the decrease in the price of petrol. All these factors contributed to the decline in sales of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the introduction of the Ford Model T in 1908 at a significantly more affordable price was the final nail in the coffin for electric vehicles in this era.
1991 – Despite the strides in battery technology, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles remained elusive until the latter half of the 20th century. It was not until the 1990s that a transformation occurred with the commercialisation of lithium-ion batteries.
Developed by Sony in 1991, lithium-ion batteries represented a quantum leap in battery technology. They offer higher energy density, lighter weight, and a longer lifespan compared to their predecessors. Eventually, this breakthrough catalysed a renewed interest in electric vehicles and set the stage for their resurgence in the modern era.
1997 – Toyota made history with the launch of the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. Powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries, the Prius showcased the potential of electric propulsion systems in mainstream automotive applications.
Buoyed by this success, other automakers began to explore the possibilities of electric drivetrains, which led to the introduction of the first all-electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf in 2010.
2008 – The real watershed moment, however, came in 2008 with the unveiling of the Tesla Roadster. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack, the Roadster heralded a new era of high-performance electric vehicles, shattering preconceived notions of EVs as mere eco-friendly novelties. Tesla’s subsequent offerings, including the Model S and Model 3, further cemented its position as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle market. They showcased the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries in delivering unparalleled range and performance.
Towards the Future
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to soar, so too does the pace of innovation in battery technology. In recent years, advancements in materials science and manufacturing processes have led to significant improvements in lithium-ion batteries. They enabled faster charging times, longer driving ranges, and enhanced safety features. Moreover, ongoing research into alternative battery chemistries such as solid-state batteries holds the promise of even greater breakthroughs in the years to come.
Today, electric vehicles stand at the forefront of automotive innovation, poised to revolutionise the way we think about transportation. From the humble origins of lead-acid batteries to the cutting-edge technology of lithium-ion and beyond, the journey of electric vehicle batteries is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress.
This is a contributed collaborative post
