HELIOS—High Energy Lithium Ion Storage Solutions: Comparative Assessment of 4 Chemistries of Cathode for EV and PHEV Applications

Abstract

HELIOS is a 4 year project to carry out a comparative assessment of 4 types of lithium-ion battery technology (NCA, LFP, NMC and LMO-NCA or LMO-blend/Graphite). The assessments concern traction batteries for the automotive sector (Electric Vehicles and Plug-in HEV). The evaluations are carried out on ‘real’ size high energy cells with a capacity of approximately 40 Ah, produced industrially. In total, up to 220 cells have been employed across the various cell types and test activities (safety tests on new and pre-aged cells), cycling and calendar tests (12–15 months). The comparisons have been achieved from laboratory testing and other analysis of full sized battery cells in order to determine comparative assessment of Performance, life, cost, recycling and safety characteristics. This paper makes a review of the main results of Helios project.