Which Battery is Best for Utility Electric Vehicles?

Utility EV batteries will be deeply cycled (80% Depth of Discharge - DoD) regularly and often operated in a Partial State of Charge (PSOC) situation. The batteries will need high power capability to support the surge current demanded by the electric traction motor. If the battery is Lithium, the Battery Management System (BMS) will also need to be hardened to tolerate the energy backfeed (EMF Spike) when a motor is stopped and Electrostatic Discharges (ESD).

Batteries for Utility EVs should ideally be compact, maintenance-free and able to accept frequent short ‘top up’ charges without degradation in long-term performance. Also, low-quality charging systems may not stop when they should and, therefore, regularly ‘over-charge’ lead-acid batteries, degrading useful life. Lithium batteries should integrate with the on-board charger. Lithium batteries should integrate with the on-board charger. Batteries must tolerate shocks, vibration, outdoor temperatures, dirt and moisture. State of Charge (SOC) monitoring is beneficial to operators.