Investigation of Charging and Discharging Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Application in Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle (EV), which is powered by lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), is an eco-friendly option in today’s global warming scenario due to its zero-emission rate. Lithium-ion battery is the most suitable option for an EV owing to its long cycle life, high specific energy, power density, nominal cell voltage, and low self-discharge rate, charging time as compared to other batteries. But, the charge capacity and the charging time of the cell vary with the intensity of the charging current. The charge and discharge characteristics of the battery vary from one manufacturer to another and also between different cells of the same manufacturer. This variation is studied by running tests with constant current and constant voltage in a charge–discharge testing apparatus (Chroma 17011). This study aims to compare the charge and discharge characteristics of two cylindrical cells by subjecting it to a voltage less than its maximum voltage and suggests approaches to reduce undercharging of battery for EV applications.