EV Batteries 101: The Basics

This guide provides a foundational overview of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, explaining the different types of electric vehicles, the reasons for the prevalence of lithium-ion technology, the basic chemical mechanisms of battery operation, and the primary minerals required for production.

• Electric vehicles are categorized into three main types based on their power sources and charging capabilities: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are fully electric and plug-in; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) use both electricity and an internal combustion engine (ICE) and can be plugged in; and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) use both electricity and an ICE but cannot be plugged in and cannot operate on electricity alone.
• Lithium-ion batteries are the primary power source for most EVs, with lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) being the most common chemistries. These batteries are preferred due to their high energy density, ability to withstand temperature extremes, low self-discharge rates, and durability over many charge cycles.
• The operation of a lithium-ion battery relies on the movement of electrons between a negative electrode (anode) and a positive electrode (cathode) through an electrolyte medium. A separator membrane prevents short circuiting by keeping the electrodes apart while allowing lithium ions to pass through.
• Lithium-ion batteries typically require lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and graphite. The extraction of these minerals is associated with significant concerns regarding environmental impact and human rights, including the use of child labor and a lack of worker safety measures.

APA

RMI (2023). EV Batteries 101: The Basics. https://rmi.org/resources/ev-batteries-101-the-basics/

Chicago

RMI. EV Batteries 101: The Basics. 2023. https://rmi.org/resources/ev-batteries-101-the-basics/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=EV Batteries 101: The Basics |date=8 March 2023 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/ev-batteries-101-the-basics/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2023batteries, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{EV Batteries 101: The Basics}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2023}, month = mar, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/ev-batteries-101-the-basics/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }