Experimental performance assessment of Pb, Li[NiCoMn]O2 and LiFePO4 batteries for road vehicles

In this paper the performance figures of lead acid and lithium ion batteries with two different cathode materials (Li[NiCoMn]O₂ and LiFePO₄) were compared from the point of view of their application on road vehicles. The experimental tests were performed in stationary and dynamic conditions using a cycle tester, based on an AC/DC converter, and supplying an electric power train. The experiments on the power train were carried out on a laboratory test bench provided with an electric brake, in order to simulate the real vehicle behavior and road characteristics on predefined driving cycles. The obtained results evidenced the advantages of using lithium batteries, especially when the load conditions require high values of battery currents, with different behavior between the two cathode materials.