Toyota has produced a technique that can help in the research and development of future lithium-ion batteries. This method observes how lithium-ions behave in an electrolyte in a lithium-ion battery (like that used in the Toyota Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid), both when the battery is being charged and discharging. It enables real-time observation of the deviation of lithium-ions – one of the causes of deterioration in battery performance.
Using intelligence gained from this process, Toyota believes essential guidelines can be drawn up to help in the research and development of batteries with improved performance and durability, leading to longer battery life and driving ranges for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Going forward, Toyota will observe the behavior of Li-ions caused by differences in the materials and structures of cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes, as well as the differences in battery control.
December 1, 2016
