As with hybrid cars, electric vehicles rely on lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used in cell phones and laptop computers, only on a much larger scale. They’re far different than the heavy lead-acid batteries in conventional cars. Lithium-ion cells employ a specific battery chemistry that gives them a higher energy density than rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. They’re also less prone than other battery types to lose their charge when not being used.
The inherent chemistry and design of an electric car’s battery vary from one make and model to another. EV battery packs generally contain a series of connected individual cells, perhaps several hundred of them depending on the model, instead of a single massive unit. The batteries are most commonly integrated into the chassis underneath the vehicle. As a bonus, this helps improve an electric car’s handling by effectively lowering its center of gravity.
