The major advantage of using nickel in batteries is that it helps deliver higher energy density and greater storage capacity at a lower cost. Further advances in nickel-containing battery technology mean it is set for an increasing role in energy storage systems, helping make the cost of each kWh of battery storage more competitive.
Nickel is an essential component for the cathodes of many secondary battery designs, including Li-ion, as seen in the table below. New nickel-containing battery technology is also playing a role in energy storage systems linked to renewable energy sources.
These batteries power our EVs and are crucial components in various modern technologies. Among the key ingredients of lithium-ion batteries, nickel stands out due to its unique properties. Its energy density and capacity retention make it essential in EV battery manufacturing.
Nickel is indispensable in lithium-ion battery production, especially in high-performing cathode chemistries like nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA). These chemistries are prized by EV manufacturers for their ability to deliver extended range and performance.
The sourcing and refining processes of nickel play a pivotal role in defining its effectiveness within batteries used for electric vehicles. Nickel, when refined and alloyed suitably, enhances the properties of the battery components by increasing their energy density.
Further advances in nickel-containing battery technology mean it is set for an increasing role in energy storage systems, helping make the cost of each kWh of battery storage more competitive. It is making energy production from intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar replace fossil fuels more viable.