The history of power batteries dates back to the early stages of electric vehicle development. In the late 19th century, the emergence of storage battery technology enabled electric vehicles to use rechargeable batteries as a power source; however, limited battery capacity and heavy weight constrained their driving range and convenience. Although the rapid rise of internal combustion engine vehicles caused a temporary slowdown in power battery development, related research continued, laying the groundwork for the future evolution of new energy vehicles.
In the latter half of the 20th century, driven by energy crises and growing environmental awareness, new energy vehicles regained attention, propelling power battery technology into a phase of rapid advancement. Early electric vehicles primarily utilized lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries; while these had established applications, they suffered from drawbacks such as low energy density and bulky size. As lithium-ion battery technology matured, its advantages-including high energy density, low self-discharge rates, and long cycle life-became increasingly apparent, establishing it as a key direction for power battery development in new energy vehicles.
Entering the 21st century, the power battery industry experienced rapid growth alongside the expanding market for new energy vehicles. Companies worldwide ramped up R&D investment, enhancing driving range, safety, and production efficiency through improvements in battery materials, cell structures, and manufacturing processes. Currently, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary lithium batteries represent the most common technological pathways, finding widespread application in passenger cars, buses, and logistics vehicles.
In recent years, power battery technology has continued to evolve toward high performance, intelligence, and environmental sustainability. Advances in novel battery materials, solid-state battery technology, and intelligent battery management systems have further improved energy density, charging speeds, and safety. Looking ahead, as the new energy vehicle industry continues to grow, power batteries will play an increasingly vital role in green transportation, the energy transition, and the development of a low-carbon society.
