Low Self-Discharge 12V 200Ah Lifepo4 Customer Made Battery Pack

Why is resistance a good barometer for estimating battery life?

It can indicate how much lithium fuses with a liquid electrolyte, which transports ions from one electrode to another within the battery. This bonding layer, known as the solid electrolyte interphase, protects the surface of the electrode and makes it last longer.

The amount of lithium entering the solid electrolyte interphase is often difficult to measure. However, in the low state of charge, the internal resistance of the battery is closely related to the amount of lithium entering the solid electrolyte interphase. This provides a quick measurement of this protective layer, as well as a measurement of the battery's operating capacity with a common device.

MIT's research provides a useful tool for automakers, as most automakers are rapidly shifting their product lines from internal combustion technology to hybrid and electric transportation. This shift has the industry competing in lithium-ion battery materials, seeking to increase productivity and reduce costs – all at the same time.