Electric vehicle lithium-ion battery (Universal stack structure)
For many years, Nissan has been working on the development of lithium-ion batteries and launched the first LEAF in 2010 as a pioneer of mass-produced EVs. Nissan has continued to evolve its performance as well as high reliability.
Lithium-ion batteries have higher energy densities than lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, so it is possible to make the battery size smaller than others while retaining the same storage capacity.
Nissan's Lithium-ion battery technology uses electrode materials which allow a higher density of lithium ions to be stored using a pack structure which improves layout efficiency. This results in an increase in battery storage capacity.
System mechanism
Nissan's Lithium-ion battery realizes high energy density and reliability by adopting Ni-Co-Mn positive electrode material and laminated-structure cells.
The Ni-Co-Mn positive electrode material has a layered structure, increasing battery storage capability by allowing lots of lithium ions to be stored. Laminated-structure battery cells have a high level of cooling performance and a simple structure, saving space and reducing the overall size of the battery pack. Due to its high durability and reliability, the battery capacity warranty guarantees 160,000 km or 8 years.
In the first-generation, the battery pack consisted of 48 modules, each constructed with a 4-cell configuration. In the second-generation, each battery module used an 8-cell configuration as standard, increasing charging efficiency while also maintaining storage capacity performance and reliability.
The third-generation LEAF adopted a new universal stack structure which added more customization features such as the number of cells and packaging. By using laser welding to join cells, each module’s overall dimensions (length and height) could be reduced, allowing for optimal battery module shapes to developed to best fit an electrified vehicle’s platform and match customer needs.
A major benefit to using a universal stack structure is that the battery pack can be fitted in areas of the car, such under the floor or under rear seating, maintaining vehicle interior space.
RELATED TECHNOLOGY
All-solid-state batteries
In its long-term vision, Nissan Ambition 2030, Nissan announced that, by FY2028, it aims to launch an electric vehicle (EV) with all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) that have been developed in-house.
e-Pedal
Easy driving using only the accelerator pedal
e-Powertrain
Lightweight, compact and high-efficiency powertrain for electric vehicles EVs
Lithium-ion Battery for Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicle battery for improved acceleration and fuel efficiency