Lithium-Ion Battery Cell (Cylindrical, Prismatic, Pouch)

A lithium-ion cell stores energy by moving lithium ions between a cathode and a graphite-based anode through an electrolyte. EV cells come in three main formats: cylindrical, prismatic and pouch.

A cell contains a cathode coated on aluminium foil, an anode, usually graphite and sometimes with silicon, coated on copper foil, a porous separator and a liquid electrolyte of a lithium salt in organic solvents. On charging, lithium ions move from cathode to anode through the electrolyte while electrons flow through the external circuit; on discharge the process reverses. Common cathode chemistries include nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

Cylindrical cells, such as the 18650, 21700 and 4680 formats named after their diameter and length in millimetres, use a wound electrode in a metal can. Prismatic cells use a rigid rectangular case, and pouch cells use a flexible laminated foil. Format choice affects packaging efficiency, cooling, mechanical design and manufacturing processes.

LFP cells generally offer longer cycle life, better thermal stability and freedom from nickel and cobalt, while nickel-rich chemistries offer higher energy density. Abuse such as overcharge, internal short circuit or overheating can cause thermal runaway. Cell testing is covered by standards such as the IEC 62660 series, and transport requires tests under UN 38.3.

Key points

Cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte form the cell
Common cathodes include NMC, NCA and LFP
Formats are cylindrical, prismatic and pouch
IEC 62660 covers EV cell testing; UN 38.3 covers transport

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Related terms

Terms that refer to Lithium-Ion Battery Cell (Cylindrical, Prismatic, Pouch)

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