WHAT IS A TRACTION BATTERY?

A traction battery is a special type of battery that is used in vehicles to provide traction energy. The term “traction” refers to the movement of a vehicle. Therefore, a traction battery is primarily used to provide the energy for the drive motor of a vehicle.

Areas of application for traction batteries

• Electric vehicles (EVs): In purely electrically powered vehicles, the traction battery is the main energy source that drives the electric motor.
• Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): In hybrid vehicles, the traction battery supports the combustion engine by providing energy for the electric motor, especially when starting off and at low speeds.
• Forklift trucks and other industrial vehicles: Traction batteries are also used in industrial applications such as forklift trucks, electric tractors and other electric commercial vehicles.
• Trains and streetcars: In some cases, traction batteries are also used in electric trains and streetcars, especially battery-powered models.

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Features of traction batteries

• High energy density: Traction batteries must be able to store a large amount of energy to ensure a sufficient range for the vehicle.
• High power density: They must be able to release this energy quickly to provide the electric motor with the required power, especially when accelerating.
• Durability: Traction batteries are designed for high cycle stability, i.e. they can go through many charging and discharging cycles before their capacity decreases noticeably.
• Temperature management: Since traction batteries are operated at high currents, they require an effective temperature management system to prevent overheating and maximize efficiency.
• Safety: Traction batteries must meet stringent safety requirements as they are used in vehicles where accidents could have serious consequences.

Types of traction batteries

• Lithium-ion batteries: These are currently the most commonly used type for modern electric vehicles as they offer high energy density and efficiency.
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries: Used in earlier hybrid vehicles, but have largely been replaced by lithium-ion batteries.
• Lead-acid batteries: Still used in some industrial vehicles, but offer lower energy density compared to more modern battery types.

Overall, the traction battery is a key element in electric mobility and other electric drive applications, contributing significantly to the performance, range and efficiency of these vehicles.