As electric vehicles become a part of daily life in Chapel Hill, more drivers are considering switching to a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric model. Thanks to innovative electric powertrain technology, these models offer several advantages over traditional combustion-engine cars, from greater fuel efficiency to a quieter ride through Raleigh. But how does EV battery technology work? And what kind of batteries lie under the hood of your favorite hybrid or plug-in hybrid models? Learn everything you need to know about the various electric vehicle battery types and uses with the experts at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint.
As mentioned, there are three main types of electrified vehicles: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric. Each may use a different kind of EV battery technology depending on how the vehicle is engineered, ensuring a capable, efficient performance on the Cary roads. Get a brief overview of the different electric vehicle battery types and what each is used for below:
A popular choice for hybrid vehicles, nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH batteries for short) have a high self-discharge rate but offer a longer life cycle than other battery types. This makes them perfect for hybrid models, as the power from the engine can continuously charge the NiMH battery as you drive around town. Some other facts about NiMH batteries include:
Used primarily for secondary storage, ultracapacitor batteries help level the electric load of a vehicle’s main battery while offering additional power during the regenerative braking or acceleration. Rarely will ultracapacitor batteries be used as the main power source for a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Lead-acid batteries, much like ultracapacitors, are typically implemented in hybrid or electric vehicles as secondary storage due to their low cost, reliability, and general safety. Still, their poor performance in cold temperatures and short lifespan make them difficult to rely on as a primary power source, though some high-powered lead-acid batteries are in development.
One of the most common types of electric vehicle batteries is lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries are renowned for their high power-to-weight ratio, weather resistance, and high energy efficiency, on top of having a significantly lower self-discharge rate compared to other types of batteries. This makes lithium-ion batteries vital components in most electric vehicles, especially full electric models like the Silverado EV.
Ready to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle in Durham? Contact Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint! Our team will be happy to put you in the driver’s seat of a hybrid or electric model, like the Chevy Bolt EV, so you can experience the thrill of EV battery technology. Don’t wait — start your journey into electric vehicles with Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint today!
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