The Lion's Pride Volume 9 (January 2018) | Page 69

negative or − terminal), and a chemical called an electrolyte in between
them. The positive electrode is typically made from a chemical
compound called lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or, in newer batteries,
from lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). The negative electrode is
generally made from carbon (graphite) and the electrolyte varies from
one type of battery to another.
The lithium-ion battery then charges by passing ions from the Anode
(positive) through the Electrolyte to the Cathode (negative); and
recharges by passing the ions back through the Electrolyte. The cells
within EV lithium-ion batteries typically have a Graphite and Cobalt (or
other rare earth) Anode/Cathode with a lithium Electrolyte (see fig. 2).
Fig. 1. This picture shows the 1200 lb. battery pack containing 7104 cells of a
Tesla Model D. The battery pack spans the entire length of the floor; from front
to rear wheels. (SomeGadgetGuy.com, image)