What Is a Traction Battery

If you are looking to purchase an electric vehicle or an electric forklift, you may have heard the term "traction battery." But what is a traction battery, and how does it work? In this article, we will explore the basics of traction batteries, their functions, and their advantages.

Traction batteries are rechargeable batteries used for powering electric vehicles (EVs), forklifts, and other industrial equipment. These batteries are designed to deliver high power output and have a long cycle life.

The technology used in traction batteries has improved significantly over the years, with new and advanced materials used in their manufacturing. In this article, we will dive deeper into the world of traction batteries and explore the different types of traction batteries available, their advantages, and the factors to consider before buying one.

What is a Traction Battery?

A traction battery is a rechargeable battery designed to power electric vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, and forklifts. Traction batteries have a high-power output and can deliver sustained energy to move the vehicle or equipment.

Unlike a standard car battery that provides power to start the engine, a traction battery provides power to turn the wheels of the electric vehicle or equipment. Traction batteries are made up of multiple cells, each producing a voltage of around 2 volts, which are connected in series to produce the required voltage.

Difference Between Traction Battery and Normal Battery

Traction batteries are available in flooded and VRLA designs, as well as 2-volt and monobloc battery constructions. Positive plates in these designs can be flat plate or tubular plate designs. Due to the requirement of maintaining uniform compression of the glass fiber mat used for the separator in the AGM variant of the VRLA construction, only flat plate versions are suitable. In general, tubular traction batteries with tubular positive plate constructions have a longer cycle life than flat plate battery designs. The enclosed tube construction design (Fig 2) keeps the positive active material firmly against the conducting lead alloy spine during the traction battery's deep discharge cycles.

Also, See: Electric Car Components

Types of Traction Batteries

Traction batteries come in different types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of traction batteries are lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

·         Lead-acid Batteries - Lead-acid batteries are the oldest type of traction battery and have been used for more than a century. These batteries are relatively cheap, have a long cycle life, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. However, they have a low energy density, are heavy, and require regular maintenance.

·         Lithium-ion Batteries - Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of traction battery in use today. They have a high energy density, are lightweight, and have a long cycle life. Lithium-ion batteries also require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries. However, they are more expensive and can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

·         Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries - Nickel-metal hydride batteries were popular in the past, but they are now less common. They have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries but are heavier than lithium-ion batteries. They also have a shorter cycle life than lithium-ion batteries and are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

What Is a Traction Battery Pack Life?

The number of standard deep charge-discharge cycles that a traction battery can perform until it reaches 80% of its rated or nominal capacity defines its life.

The specification of a traction battery is critical in providing a long and trouble-free service life. To accomplish this, several key aspects of the traction cell construction ensure that they can withstand the demands of the traction battery warranty and cycle duty. The traction battery's key components are the positive grid alloy, the spongy lead formula, the active material chemistry and separation method, plate support, and traction battery cooling parts.

Advantages of Traction Batteries

There are several advantages to using a traction battery over a traditional fossil fuel-powered engine. Some of the most notable benefits include:

·         Sustainability: Traction batteries provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly power source for electric vehicles and industrial equipment. They do not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion engines.

·         Efficiency: Traction batteries are highly efficient, converting stored energy into motion with very little waste. This makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles and industrial equipment, where efficiency is critical for performance and range.

·         Low Maintenance: Traction batteries require minimal maintenance compared to traditional combustion engines. They do not have many moving parts and do not require oil changes or regular tune-ups. Regular maintenance includes checking the water levels, keeping the battery terminals clean, and monitoring their performance regularly.

·         Longevity: With proper maintenance, traction batteries can last for many years, providing reliable power to your equipment. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving you money in the long run.

·         Quiet Operation: Traction batteries operate quietly, producing very little noise pollution compared to traditional combustion engines. This makes them ideal for use in residential areas, hospitals, and other noise-sensitive environments.

·         Regenerative Braking: Traction batteries can take advantage of regenerative braking, which recovers energy lost during braking and stores it back into the battery. This increases the battery's efficiency and range, making it ideal for use in electric vehicles and industrial equipment.

·         Versatility: Traction batteries can be used in a wide range of applications, from electric vehicles to forklifts and other industrial equipment. They are also available in a variety of chemistries, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-metal hydride, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific needs.

Overall, traction batteries offer many advantages over traditional combustion engines, making them an ideal choice for electric vehicles and industrial equipment. They provide sustainable and efficient power, require minimal maintenance, and offer long-term reliability and cost savings.

What Is a Traction Battery Made Up Of?

Also, See: Top Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturers in India 2023

Maintenance of Traction Batteries

Traction batteries require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance. Some maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly include:

·         Checking the water levels in lead-acid batteries

·         Keeping the battery terminals clean

·         Avoiding deep discharges of the battery

·         Storing the battery in a cool, dry place

·         Monitoring the battery's performance regularly

What is a traction battery choice for your EV?

Over 90% of the 2v traction batteries used in the forklift market are flooded tubular plate batteries, which make up the majority of the EV traction battery market. These are typically used in multiples of six to create 12-volt forklift batteries, 24-volt traction batteries, 36-volt forklift batteries, 48-volt forklift batteries, or 80-volt forklift battery packs, with 80 volts breaking the series progression and serving as the upper limit for the majority of forklift manufacturing companies. When used in boom lifts, traction batteries of 12 volts are categorized as semi-traction.

Based on their national standards, different countries have standard traction battery container sizes for forklift manufacturers. The majority of forklifts in India, including * Nilkamal forklifts, Godrej forklifts, Josts forklifts, Toyota forklifts, Kion forklifts, Hyster forklifts, *, etc., will use a DIN or BS standard size of the traction battery cell. *Disclaimer: All brands mentioned belong to the respective companies; Microtex is not part of them. The external dimensions, pole arrangement, and anticipated capacity are determined by this. Forklifts with 48v lithium-ion batteries are also becoming more common.

Battery containers for forklift trucks come in standard sizes that are multiples of the relevant cell dimensions. These dimensions demonstrate the expected cell and container sizes for BS and DIN standards. Beyond just selecting the appropriate capacity, which is obviously crucial, there are other factors to take into account when choosing a battery. Other elements that affect battery selection include:

·         The make and size of the forklift

·         Application

·         Length of operation

·         Location

·         Maintenance resources

Conclusion

Traction batteries are an essential component of electric vehicles and industrial equipment. They provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly power source, but it is important to consider their maintenance and various factors before purchasing one. Whether you are looking for a lead-acid, lithium-ion, or nickel-metal hydride battery, choosing the right traction battery for your equipment is crucial to ensure long-term performance and efficiency.