Daimler is developing state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries | Daimler > Technology & Innovation > Drive Technologies

The lithium-ion battery: The heart of all future electric drive systems.

A powerful, safe, and reliable energy storage medium is a crucial element of all electric drive systems. The performance of the entire electrical system on board an automobile is determined to a large extent by the battery, starting with its charging capacity. Daimler is therefore concentrating on developing a powerful traction battery.



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Advances in efficiency will be provided by the innovative lithium-ion flat cell

In addition to fulfilling specific performance criteria, it must have a long service life, not represent a hazard in an accident, and be recyclable. A highly promising prospect is lithium-ion battery technology, which has already proven its worth in hybrid applications. Its advantages lie above all in its compact dimensions in combination with a considerably higher performance in comparison with conventional battery technologies.

Standardizing lithium-ion technology



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Standardized plugs for the charging cable, for example, are an initial step towards establishing a close-knit infrastructure

Thanks to its powerful cooling system and intelligent temperature management, the lithium-ion battery from Daimler constantly operates within the optimum temperature range of between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius. This ensures reliability independent of climatic conditions, along with full efficiency and excellent cold-starting behavior throughout the battery’s service life.
Economical production of the lithium-ion battery under conditions of largeseries production is essential for widespread automotive application. Daimler is therefore working to secure cell standardization for this battery technology.

The objective of this development is standardized, industrialized production of lithium-ion batteries both for hybrid and for fuel cell and purely batterypowered vehicles – series production is to commence in 2012. Daimler benefits in lithium-ion technology from a broad range of expertise accumulated over many years of research work. The group has registered more than 600 patents for battery-powered vehicles over the past 30 years, including more than 230 in the field of lithium-ion technology. With Deutsche Accumotive, Daimler has its own manufacturing facilities for state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. As of 2012, these power units will be produced on demand for all automotive applications – in hybrid and electric passenger cars and commercial vehicles.