Multicriteria selection of innovative battery cell technologies for electric vehicle applications

Abstract Achieving global climate-neutrality goals requires a consistent transformation of vehicle fleets toward electric vehicles. Due to the increasing diversification of battery technologies, automotive manufacturers face the complex task of identifying the most suitable cell technology for specific vehicle applications. This study presents a method for segment-specific cell selection for innovative cell technologies during the early phase of vehicle development. The study covers a wide range of battery cell chemistries, including established lithium-ion batteries, emerging sodium-ion batteries, and future battery technologies such as solid-state batteries (SSB) and lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S). These are selected for different electric vehicle applications, ranging from small to large passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to battery electric trucks. The results show that cell technology selection depends highly on the vehicle segment and its specific requirements. In the large BEV segment, only lithium-ion batteries and SSB are technically feasible due to packaging restrictions, with SSB offering the highest ranges but also the highest costs. In the mid-size BEV segment, cost-efficient sodium-ion technologies compete with established LFP battery technology, with LFP offering advantages in terms of achievable range. In the small BEV segment, Li-S technology has big potential, enabling high maximum ranges at comparatively low cost. For battery electric trucks, sodium-ion and Li-S batteries are unsuitable for long-haul applications due to insufficient range, but represent an economically attractive alternative for short-haul applications. The present study provides a well-founded scientific basis for multicriteria cell selection in vehicle development and evaluates the potential of innovative battery technologies for electric vehicles.