Electric Drive Vehicles

In an electric drive vehicle (EDV), the torque is supplied to the wheels by an electric motor that is powered by a battery, or by a combination of a battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Types of Electric Drive Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

• Uses both an electric motor and an ICE to propel the vehicle
• Electricity is generated on board, either through regenerative braking or by the ICE

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

• Uses both an electric motor and an ICE to propel the vehicle
• A combination of grid electricity, regenerative energy from braking, and power from the ICE are used

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) / Electric Vehicle (EV)

• Uses batteries alone to power an electric motor that propels the vehicle
• A combination of grid electricity and regenerative energy from braking are used

Benefits of Lithium-Ion Batteries in EDV Applications

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries are the predominant technology used in HEVs today.  However, they offer insufficient power or energy performance to support emerging HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs that have a longer electric-only driving range.  For these applications, lithium-ion batteries are the ideal solution – delivering an optimal combination of high power, long cycle life, and reduced battery weight.

Compared to NiMH batteries, lithium-ion batteries provide many advantages in EDV applications:

• High power density – more power per unit volume
• Greater acceleration capability and fuel efficiency
• Longer electric-only vehicle driving range
• Zero memory effect
• Extends the operating life of the battery without decreasing maximum charge potential
• Faster recharge rates
• Higher energy density – more energy per unit weight
• Reduces overall vehicle weight and increases fuel efficiency
• Compact design maximizes space in the powertrain

With features including oxidation resistance and zero TD shrinkage, Celgard® Monolayer PP and Trilayer PP/PE/PP separators provide excellent chemical stability, high temperature integrity, and extended cycling performance in EDV lithium-ion battery applications.

To learn more about the benefits of Celgard® battery separators in lithium-ion EDV applications, contact your local sales or technical service representative.