In the modern world, the need for small, individually, powered vehicles is a reality of life. From the factories forklift to an older person’s electric scooter, these batteries help us pursue everyday activities with ease and efficiency. In order to power these vehicles, we turn to something known as a traction battery.
What exactly is a traction battery and how can it be used in machinery to improve efficiency on factory floors?
To put it simply, a traction battery (also known as an electric vehicle battery - EVB) is either a primary or secondary battery used to propel electrically powered vehicles. The exact type of battery can vary, depending on whether or not the vehicle is all electric (AEV) or a hybrid (PHEV). Currently, traction batteries are designed for long life - around 8 years or close to 100,000 miles. However, with moderate use and regular maintenance, these can easily last upwards of 12 to 15 years.
The most common type used is that of a lithium ion forklift battery. This type of battery is also a staple in most household appliances, including mobile phones and laptops. Lithium is a popular choice due to having a great power to weight ratio, as well as being incredibly efficient. In terms of electric vehicles, it ensures that the forklift can travel further on a smaller charge due to the reduced weight. A low self-discharge also allows the battery to have a much more extended life than typically found in batteries.
Environmentally-conscious companies with green incentives are also likely to prefer lithium batteries, as the parts are recyclable.
All electric vehicles have an electric traction motor (replacing the combustion engine found in most on-road vehicles). A traction battery pack - made up of between 12 to 40 individual battery cells - is used to drive the vehicle’s wheels during movement.
The battery cells are made of positive tubular plates, negative grid plates and an electrolyte in between the two. The positive electrode is typically made from lithium iron phosphate, thus the name of the battery. During charge, the positive electrode essentially gives up some of its lithium ions to the negative electrode, via the electrolyte solution. At discharge, they move back again to the positive electrode - which creates the power needed to move the vehicle.
An electrically powered vehicle must be plugged in and charged as a result of this process. This is also an important step as the quality and efficiency of the battery impacts the overall performance of the vehicle greatly. Hybrid vehicles also have such a battery, except they also contain a traditional combustion engine to improve the distance travelled by the vehicle.
A traction battery can be charged through a standard connector, however, it is possible to purchase a rapid charging station. But this depends on the vehicles purchased and whether they are receptive to a rapid charging connector. They are not standardised so this can vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the make of the vehicle.
What exactly is a traction battery and how can it be used in machinery to improve efficiency on factory floors?
To put it simply, a traction battery (also known as an electric vehicle battery - EVB) is either a primary or secondary battery used to propel electrically powered vehicles. The exact type of battery can vary, depending on whether or not the vehicle is all electric (AEV) or a hybrid (PHEV). Currently, traction batteries are designed for long life - around 8 years or close to 100,000 miles. However, with moderate use and regular maintenance, these can easily last upwards of 12 to 15 years.
The most common type used is that of a lithium ion forklift battery. This type of battery is also a staple in most household appliances, including mobile phones and laptops. Lithium is a popular choice due to having a great power to weight ratio, as well as being incredibly efficient. In terms of electric vehicles, it ensures that the forklift can travel further on a smaller charge due to the reduced weight. A low self-discharge also allows the battery to have a much more extended life than typically found in batteries.
Environmentally-conscious companies with green incentives are also likely to prefer lithium batteries, as the parts are recyclable.
All electric vehicles have an electric traction motor (replacing the combustion engine found in most on-road vehicles). A traction battery pack - made up of between 12 to 40 individual battery cells - is used to drive the vehicle’s wheels during movement.
The battery cells are made of positive tubular plates, negative grid plates and an electrolyte in between the two. The positive electrode is typically made from lithium iron phosphate, thus the name of the battery. During charge, the positive electrode essentially gives up some of its lithium ions to the negative electrode, via the electrolyte solution. At discharge, they move back again to the positive electrode - which creates the power needed to move the vehicle.
An electrically powered vehicle must be plugged in and charged as a result of this process. This is also an important step as the quality and efficiency of the battery impacts the overall performance of the vehicle greatly. Hybrid vehicles also have such a battery, except they also contain a traditional combustion engine to improve the distance travelled by the vehicle.
A traction battery can be charged through a standard connector, however, it is possible to purchase a rapid charging station. But this depends on the vehicles purchased and whether they are receptive to a rapid charging connector. They are not standardised so this can vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the make of the vehicle.