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Why Lithium-ion Batteries?
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As Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and Electric Vehicles (EV) continue to gain acceptance as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, it is clear that HEVs will need light, compact, high-powered, high-capacity batteries to power their needs. Simillarly Lithium-ion batteries are gaining acceptance as a power alternative to Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. |
Unique Features of LG Chem/CPI Lithium-Ion Polymer Cells
Safety |
Cost |
Performance |
| LG Chem/CPI’s unique safety-reinforced separator (SRS) has been developed to minimize potential thermal runaway due to an internal short. At higher temperatures the separator remains functional |
LG Chem/CPI’s unique package design ensures a low cost, high quality and reliable cell that is designed for fail-safe performance. |
LG Chem/CPI is experienced in the design and production of numerous lithium-ion chemistries. For the hybrid electric vehicles market, LG Chem/CPI has developed a customized cathode and anode chemistry that optimizes performance at extreme conditions without sacrificing battery life. |
Lithium is the future
While NiMH batteries are the mainstream technology for HEVs at the moment, the switch to lithium-ion batteries has already begun. Why? Because NiMH has limitations in meeting the power and life demands of many applications. Also, lithium-ion batteries are providing equivalent energy for longer periods of time at a similar size and at half the weight of NiMH. Lithium-ion batteries also are less harmful to the environment than NiMH batteries.
According to several studies, lithium-ion batteries will be introduced in HEVs by the end of the decade and most of the industry is expected to switch to this battery technology within the next 10 years.
LG Chem Ltd., CPI's parent company, is a leader in the development and production of these types of batteries for cell phones, laptops and other portable equipment. The transfer of technology from these smaller batteries to mid and large-size lithium-ion batteries for HEV applications is a natural one for LG Chem and it is taking place at a rapid pace.
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Fundamentals of Lithium-ion batteries
More Power, Less Weight and Environmentally Friendly Energy Solution
| Factor |
Detail |
| Environmentally Friendly |
Natural progression of application |
| Environmentally friendly systems |
| Value to Customer |
Weight |
Less weight (50%-70%) |
| Power |
Hold 2 to 4 times more energy than NiCd or NiMH |
| Maintain power level through entire discharge cycle, with more capacity retention capability than NiCd. |
| Charge |
Provides a memory-free battery pack. |
| Design |
Safety-reinforced separator (SRS) and laminated packaging. |
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NiCd
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NiMH
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Lithium-ion
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Lithium-ion polymer
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Operating voltage (V) |
1.2 |
1.2 |
3.7 |
3.7 |
Energy density (Wh / kg) |
60 |
80 |
>100 |
>100 |
High current performance |
Good |
Good |
OK |
Good |
Cycle life (deep discharge) |
<500 |
<300 |
>500 |
>1000 |
Quick charge (hr) |
1 |
1.5-3 |
<1.5 |
<1.5 |
Self discharge (% per month) |
5 |
15-30 |
<5 |
<5 |
Advantage |
Low cost |
Higher energy |
High energy and power density |
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| Battery Cells |
LG Chem/CPI first manufactured lithium-ion batteries in 1998. By establishing a robust mass production system, LG Chem/CPI is able to supply cells to major international companies.
With increased investments and leading-edge technology, LG Chem/CPI is poised to become one of the world's principal battery manufacturers for the HEV, PHEV, and EV industries.
LG Chem/CPI's lithium-ion battery cells provide several advantages over the competition, including:
Improved abuse-tolerance
- Safety Reinforced Separator
- “Mixed Cathode” Chemistry
- Safer Packaging
Better thermal performance (Thin, Flat Package)
Higher reliability (Fewer parts, simpler manufacturing)
Improved Total Cost (Packaging, Chemistry)
Outstanding Performance
- Power Density
- Energy Density
- Calendar and Cycle Life
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