Lithium-Ion Batteries as a Cornerstone of Electric Vehicle Advancement: Innovations, Challenges, and Policy Implications

IF 8.8 2区化学 Q1 Chemistry

Topics in Current Chemistry Pub Date : 2026-04-07 DOI:10.1007/s41061-026-00550-2

Benedict Nnachi Alum, Darlington Arinze Echegu, Esther Ugo Alum, Daniel Ejim Uti, Simeon Ikechukwu Egba, Jude Uchechukwu Aleke

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Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the key technology that allows the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and integration of renewable energy, but their development faces a complex of technical, environmental, and policy issues that require a multidimensional analysis. This review critically evaluates electrochemical activities, structural innovations, environmental effects, and regulatory frameworks used to deploy LIBs in EVs to inform the current development strategies. A narrative literature review was conducted across Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of science, IEEE Xplore, ACS, and Scopus where peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025 were searched. Thematic synthesis melded discoveries in electrochemical processes, materials science, and policy space. LIBs have a better energy density (130–275 Wh kg⁻¹) and life- cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions of 46–52% compared to internal combustion engines with manufacturing emission (5075 kg CO₂-eq) payback within 1.5–3 years of average driving. Major industrial innovation includes high-nickel cathodes, e.g., NMC811 and NCA, allow EV ranges of 400–500 km, silicon–graphite composite anodes with up to 550–650 mAh g⁻¹ capacity, and cell-to-pack designs. These innovations have been commercialized by CATL and BYD (Build Your Dreams) and raise cell-level energy density by 10–15% via removal of module-level components. The regulatory frameworks in the EU, US, and China are analyzed as the sources of market growth and the shift in the circular economy. The review finds that steady electrification must have an integrated policy to cover supply-chain equity, set chemistry-independent performance standards, and facilitated commercialization routes to solid-state and sodium-ion technologies that will characterize the post-lithium-ion phase.

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锂离子电池作为电动汽车发展的基石：创新、挑战和政策影响。

锂离子电池（LIBs）是实现电动汽车（ev）普及和可再生能源整合的关键技术，但其发展面临复杂的技术、环境和政策问题，需要多维度分析。这篇综述批判性地评估了用于在电动汽车中部署锂离子电池的电化学活动、结构创新、环境影响和监管框架，以指导当前的发展战略。对b谷歌Scholar、ScienceDirect、Web of science、IEEE explore、ACS和Scopus进行了叙述性文献综述，检索了2015年至2025年间发表的同行评议文章、技术报告和政策文件。主题综合融合了电化学过程、材料科学和政策空间的发现。与内燃机相比，lib具有更好的能量密度（130-275 Wh kg-1）和生命周期温室气体减排46-52%，平均驾驶1.5-3年的制造排放（5075 kg co2当量）回报。主要的工业创新包括高镍阴极，如NMC811和NCA，可使电动汽车续航里程达到400-500公里，硅-石墨复合阳极的g-1容量高达550-650 mAh，以及电池-电池组设计。这些创新已经被宁德时代和比亚迪（Build Your Dreams）商业化，并通过去除模块级组件将电池级能量密度提高了10-15%。欧盟、美国和中国的监管框架被分析为市场增长的来源和循环经济的转变。该研究发现，稳定的电气化必须有一个涵盖供应链权益的综合政策，制定与化学无关的性能标准，并促进固态和钠离子技术的商业化路线，这些技术将成为后锂离子阶段的特征。

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来源期刊

Topics in Current Chemistry 化学-化学综合

CiteScore

11.70

自引率

1.20%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Topics in Current Chemistry provides in-depth analyses and forward-thinking perspectives on the latest advancements in chemical research. This renowned journal encompasses various domains within chemical science and their intersections with biology, medicine, physics, and materials science. Each collection within the journal aims to offer a comprehensive understanding, accessible to both academic and industrial readers, of emerging research in an area that captivates a broader scientific community. In essence, Topics in Current Chemistry illuminates cutting-edge chemical research, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and facilitates knowledge-sharing among diverse scientific audiences.