Common Myths and FAQs

  • Different battery formulations have different characteristics. The formulation can be optimized for lowest cost, highest energy density, high power density, or increased lifespan.

    The battery in a cell phone is optimized for energy density (to last as long as possible while being as small as possible) and cost (to be as cheap as possible). The things that are sacrificed are longevity and safety. A cell phone may only last 300-500 cycles before only having 80% of it’s original capacity, and the chemistry is the most prone to catching fire.

    The cells in cordless drills are optimized for high charge and discharge current, sacrificing energy density, and thus are less energy dense than the cells in a cell phone.

    The cells in an on road EV vary widely between the automotive OEM, but generally they are optimized for longevity, achieving 3,000-5,000 cycles.

    Cells that are used for stationary energy storage are optimized for safety and longevity, typically lasting 5,000-10,000 cycles.

  • When an EV is sent to the scrap yard, the first thing that the scrap yard does is remove the battery. If it has 70% or more of it’s original capacity they can sell it for a good profit to be used in the stationary energy storage market. If the battery is below 70% state of health, then they can still make a good profit selling it to a battery recycler. In the US the capacity for battery recycling facilities is currently significantly larger than the number of batteries available for recycling.

  • Battery characteristics vary with different chemistries and there are different formulations within each chemistry:

    LiCO (Lithium Cobalt) or sometimes called Li-Po:

    • Most dangerous

    • Highest energy Density

    • Typically found in cell phones, tablets and drones.

    NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum) and NMC Nickel Manganese Cobalt:

    • Average safety

    • Average energy density

    • Typically found in cordless power tools, laptops, and some EV’s

    LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate):

    • Safest chemistry

    • Lowest Energy Density

    • Typically found in stationary energy storage and some EV’s

    There are also additional measures that can be taken to increase battery safety and decrease fire risk. There are different electrolyte formulations, and separator materials that mitigate this risk. There are also measures that can be taken when installing cells into larger packs to keep cells cool, prevent one failed cell from catching an adjacent cell on fire, and confining the fire to within the pack itself.

  • A battery that is not in use, does not get hot. Depending on how hard the battery is being pushed, either charged or discharged, determines how much it will heat up. A cordless drill battery discharged over an hour will not have any measurable temperature rise. Discharging the same battery in 5 min will cause the battery temperature to rise significantly. Like the difference between you walking a mile slowly, or running a mile at max speed. At the end of the mile, when running, you’re much hotter.