What Are the Main Types of Hybrid Batteries?

Hybrid batteries come in many forms, each with its own pros and cons. As the market continues to evolve, the types of batteries that are used are also evolving. Today, however, there are four main types of hybrid batteries.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Best known for their use in consumer electronics such as laptops and cell phones, lithium-ion batteries have quite a few features that make them stand out, such as a high power-to-weight ratio and a good performance rating even at high temperatures. They are especially common today in plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries

Used primarily in medical equipment and computers, nickel-metal hydride batteries have a long life cycle and are highly tolerant of abuse. However, they come with a high price tag and are prone to heat generation and self-discharge. Nonetheless, they are frequently used in both hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Inexpensive and reliable, lead-acid batteries struggle with short life cycles and poor performance in cold temperatures. Research is being done to overcome these limitations, but until the challenges are solved, they are not the best choice. However, they were featured in early hybrid models.

Ultracapacitors

Ultracapacitors are a newer technology that stores energy in a polarized liquid. An ultracapacitor can store only a small fraction of the energy of a traditional battery, but can recharge extremely quickly. Consequently, they are often used as a secondary storage device to recover braking energy and provide additional power boosts for acceleration or climbing hills.