Batteries
Hi Dan
I am the first to admit that I am no expert when it comes to battery chemistry. However during my visit to AE last week, during a meeting with their engineers I posed a number of questions to try and differentiate the advantages and draw backs between Lithium Polymer LiNiCoMnO2, Lithium Ion Panasonic cells, also LiNiCoMnO2, and Lithium Phosphate LiFePO4. As quite frankly the distinctions between them are blurred in my mind and I want to be absolutely certain I am using the best battery for my bikes.
When I say "LiFePO4", I mean the pouch/prismatic ones as they are the type manufactured by AE and seem to be the best in respect of electric vehicles.
The results they presented to me were their lab reports and have not been tried and tested in the real world, however they have been put on full charge re charge cycles and these results show that 25% of the batteries capacity was lost at these points (aprox) Li Phosphate 750 cycles, capacity loss then continues at a low rate. Li Po 900 cycles and capacity loss continues at a low rate, Li Ion 500 cycles then loss continues at an alarming rate!
The capacity that we could fit in our large case was as follows Li Po 14A Li Ion 17A and Li Phosphate only 10A.
The charge capacities were Li Po and Li Ion 4A Li Phosphate 2A although the discharge rate on the phosphate was significantly higher making it the better choice for large electric motors in cars and electric motor bikes.
I asked a lot of questions the answers to which will be confirmed to me next week in writing and I would be please to share this info with you. However on the face of it the best battery for long range is the Li Ion but the best for longevity and reliability is Lithium Polymer.
As I say I am not an expert and may have misunderstood, but I believe I am correct and will have the answers confirmed next week.
All the best
David