LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES - PERFORMANCES OF 100 AH CELLS

Among the new electrochemical systems, lithium ion using a liquid elec trolyte appears to be one of the most promising technologies for the m id-term requirements of electric vehicles (EVs). Thanks to a dedicated research program over the past five years, SAFT is developing a compl ete EV battery system, including thermal management and electronic con trol system. Electrochemical cells of about 100 Ah, using LiNiO2 and g raphite, have been built and tested. They show performances of 125 Wh/ kg and 265 Wh/l at the 1-h rate, at the beginning of life. Specific po wer obtained along the complete discharge fulfill the requirements for EV application. A 20 kWh 220 V assembly was built, including the asso ciated electronic control equipment and air thermal regulation. (C) 19 97 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.