Graphene battery as a viable alternative in electric vehicles for enhanced charging efficiency and thermal management

Abstract

Abstract The transportation sector’s reliance on fossil fuels necessitates a transition towards sustainable alternatives like electric vehicles (EVs). While lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries currently dominate the EV market, their limitations in charging time, thermal management, and resource sustainability motivate the exploration of advanced battery technologies. This research investigates the potential of graphene-enhanced batteries as a viable alternative for Li-ion batteries in EVs, focusing on enhancing charging efficiency and thermal management. A comparative analysis is conducted using a MATLAB-based simulation framework, modelling a graphene-enhanced battery system against a conventional Li-ion system based on considered reference of Tata Nexon EV Prime specifications. The simulations evaluate performance across various discharge rates (0.2 to 3 C), analysing charging time, temperature profiles, charging efficiency, and temperature coefficients. The results demonstrate that graphene-enhanced batteries exhibit significantly faster charging times (22% − 27%), maintain lower operating temperatures (0.1 to 5 °C lower), and also offer the potential for substantial weight reduction i.e. 53% in the modelled simulation). These advancements, stemming from graphene’s exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, indicate a promising route toward the development of more efficient, safer, and higher-performing electric vehicles. This study provides quantitative insights into the benefits of graphene integration in EV battery technology, highlighting its potential to address key limitations of Li-ion batteries and contribute to a more sustainable transportation future.