Introduction to the Voltage Characteristics of Lithium-ion Batteries

Introduction to the Voltage Characteristics of Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most widely used type of lithium battery, and their voltage characteristics vary due to the differences in cathode materials:
Lithium cobalt oxide battery (LCO) : The nominal voltage is usually 3.7V. When the charging cut-off voltage reaches 4.2V, the battery is fully charged. When the discharge reaches approximately 2.75V, it is regarded as the termination of discharge. This type of battery has a relatively high energy density. However, due to the scarcity and high price of cobalt resources, as well as relatively poor safety, it is mainly applied in consumer electronic products such as mobile phones and laptops that have high requirements for volume and weight. ​
Lithium manganate battery (LMO) : The nominal voltage is also approximately 3.7V, but its charging and discharging voltage window is relatively narrow, and its stability in high-temperature environments is not as good as that of batteries made of other materials. However, lithium manganate batteries have a relatively low cost and good high-current discharge performance, and are often used in fields such as electric bicycles and power tools. ​
Lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) batteries and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) batteries: These two types of batteries also belong to the ternary lithium battery system, and their nominal voltages are generally between 3.6 and 3.7V. Among them, NCM811 and NCA batteries with high nickel content, by optimizing material formulas and processes, not only enhance energy density but also maintain relatively stable voltage output. They are widely used in the field of electric vehicles, providing vehicles with longer driving ranges and stable power output. ​
Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) : The nominal voltage is 3.2V. Compared with ternary lithium batteries, its charging cut-off voltage is 3.65V and the discharging cut-off voltage is 2.0V. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have the advantages of high safety, long cycle life and low cost, but their energy density is relatively low. In recent years, with the continuous advancement of technology, its application in fields such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems has become increasingly widespread.