EVs and HEVs Using Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract The car electrification “pathway” can be identified in the following sequence: nonhybrid vehicles, namely, internal combustion engine (ICE) drive, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) (microhybrid, mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid), extended-range electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles (BEV). At least three large families of products should be considered: HEVs with ICE onboard, “pure” electric vehicles powered by batteries recharged from outlets, and fuel cell hydrogen vehicles. The hybrid electric models continue to increase in terms of importance and presence in the market. In the past few years, they were sold in millions of units in the world and are presently relying on a generation of satisfied car drivers ready to ask for drivetrains with an increased electric component. Today, markets have opened their doors to the BEVs but, economic aspects and performance will be keys factors to declare their success. Their success cannot, in fact, prescind from aspects such as the capacity of producing low-cost batteries or recharging time, driving range and reliability. As is obvious, at the heart of their success there are drivers/buyers who, if on the one hand do not want to have polluting cars any longer are on the other hand unwilling to spend more than needed for a car of the same size and poorer performance. All this with some criticality still perceived in a very discriminating way in the choice of a vehicle, which concern recharging times and ranges guaranteed by at full charge. While the battery-powered cars have a sufficient expected range of 150–200 km per charge for urban use, recharging time is a big issue since, indeed, if a low-voltage outlet is used, at least 5–8 h are needed. Two alternative options could be the high-voltage quick charge, but it requires adequate facilities, and the quick change of the entire battery pack in dedicated service stations. In this chapter, a series of car models are presented and described, both those that are already on the market and those that are going to be commercialized shortly. The vehicles are classified taking into account the level of electrification of their drivetrain and all of them are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, the most advanced technology available today.