The main materials used in the components of new energy vehicles vary depending on their function and system. Core components involve multiple areas, including batteries, motors, electronic controls, and lightweight vehicle bodies.
Batteries are a core component of new energy vehicles, and their material systems are complex, mainly including:
Positive electrode materials: Primarily lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). The former has high energy density, while the latter offers significant advantages in safety and cost.
Negative electrode materials: The mainstream material is artificial graphite. Silicon-carbon composite materials are under development as a next-generation technology to improve capacity.
Electrolyte and separator: The electrolyte is an organic solvent containing lithium salts. Separators are mostly wet-process polyolefin separators, with some using coated films to enhance safety.
Current collectors and packaging: Copper foil is used for the negative electrode current collector, and aluminum foil for the positive electrode current collector. Pouch cells use aluminum-plastic film for packaging.
Casing materials: Commonly used are aluminum alloy (lightweight, good thermal conductivity), steel (high strength), or flame-retardant PCABS plastic (enhancing safety).
