From the quick stop during a road trip to the unexpected empty tank on a busy morning, time is often of the essence when refueling your vehicle. Electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the transportation industry by providing a sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered cars, but slow charging times continue to be a significant roadblock. Fast charging substantially reduces an EV’s refueling time, improving convenience for users. However, this rapid charging process also increases the risk of lithium plating, a phenomenon that degrades battery performance, reduces EV lifespan, and can lead to safety issues.
Common Effects of Lithium Plating
Lithium plating has several detrimental effects on a battery, including:
- Reduced Capacity: Lithium plating consumes active lithium ions, reducing overall storage capacity.
- Accelerated Aging: The plating process speeds up battery degradation, shortening an EV’s operational lifespan.
- Safety Risks: Over time, plated lithium can form dendrites, needle-like structures that pierce the separator, potentially causing internal short circuits and thermal runaway, leading to safety hazards.
Understanding Lithium Plating
What is Lithium Plating?
Lithium plating happens when lithium ions form metallic lithium on the surface of the battery’s negative electrode instead of intercalating1 into the negative electrode. The risk of lithium plating increases when charging a battery at low temperatures and/or with high currents.
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