Abstract
In this study, we develop a method for calculating electric vehicle lithium-ion battery pack performance and cost. To begin, we construct a model allowing for calculation of cell performance and material cost using a bottom-up approach starting with real-world material costs. It thus provides a supplement to existing models, which often begin with fixed cathode active material (CAM) prices that do not reflect raw metal price fluctuations. We collect and display data from the London Metal Exchange to show that such metal prices, in this case specifically cobalt and nickel, do indeed fluctuate and cannot be assumed to remain static or decrease consistently. We input this data into our model, which allows for a visualization of the effects of these metal price fluctuations on the prices of the CAMs. CAMs analyzed include various lithium transition metal oxide-type layered oxide (NMC and NCA) technologies, as well as cubic spinel oxide (LMO), high voltage spinel oxide (LNMO), and lithium metal phosphate (LFP). The calculated CAM costs are combined with additional cell component costs in order to calculate full cell costs, which are in turn scaled up to full battery pack costs. Economies of scale are accounted for separately for each cost fraction.
Highlights
The majority of current transportation technologies rely on fossil fuels as their predominant energy source [1]
CellEst uses a modular approach to enable the user-friendly calculation of complete battery cell and pack cost and performance based on modifiable parameters and real-world raw material prices
Though estimations were required in developing the model, meaning that numbers generated may not be absolutely accurate, it still allows for comparison of different battery cell chemistries and evaluation of the impact of changes within these technologies
Summary
The majority of current transportation technologies rely on fossil fuels as their predominant energy source [1]. Due to the importance of affordable, high-performing batteries for the advancement of EV technology, several research groups have developed models which compile known information and utilize equations relating physical properties and economic rules to allow researchers to estimate the cost and performance of theoretical batteries based on factors including cell chemistry and dimensions, processing costs, and production scale. It does not aim to replace any existing models, some of which, such as BatPaC, have more elaborate, detailed, and customizable methods of examining full battery packs, but rather to act as a supplement to these models In this way, we hope to further the overall field of battery research by more closely examining the raw metals that serve as critical materials in the construction of said battery packs. We invite any other researchers with an interest in the further refinement and development of our model to make suggestions or directly join us in collaboration
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