Energy Density of EV Systems:

Now let us discuss an important term you’ll often meet while working with
EV battery systems, ‘energy density’. Energy density as the name implies
is energy stored per unit volume. (Specific energy is energy per unit mass).

The fuel sources that are used most commonly have to be gasoline and
coal as compared to batteries. However, batteries are more convenient but
their energy density and specific energy are less than coal and gasoline. To
put things in perspective, if we compare gasoline and a lithium-ion battery,
the specific heat or gasoline is 100 times higher. Gasoline is also 300 times
higher as compared to lead-acid batteries.

Electric Battery Systems vs ICE (internal combustion engine)

However, in terms of efficiency, an electric motor is better than an ICE
(internal combustion engine). But then again it is difficult to achieve range
with an electric motor compared to an ICE. For example, a gasoline
powered vehicle with a smaller tank size can get you around 400 miles
while the average range of an electric car is around 180 miles.

While there are competitive offers of the higher range, there are also the
downsides. Why not discuss them before we move on.
 The manufacturing costs of these batteries are really high and make a
large part of the EV’s total purchase price.
 Recharging and discharging of such batteries leads to degradation over
time and we don’t have any solid data on the long-term performance of
battery systems. On the other hand, ICE vehicles can easily go up to
100,000 miles if properly maintained.
 Charging of such batteries is time-consuming. Even the best superchargers
Tesla has to offer will make you wait half an hour or so.