Cycle life is a key measure of a rechargeable battery’s longevity, defined as the number of full charge/discharge cycles the battery can perform before its usable capacity significantly declines (often to 80% of its initial capacity, though definitions can vary). Cycle life is influenced by many factors: the battery chemistry, depth of discharge in each cycle (deeper cycles generally wear the battery more), operating temperature, charge/discharge rates, etc. Applications like electric vehicles demand high cycle life (thousands of cycles), whereas consumer electronics are generally cycled less, so the cycle life requirements are less stringent.
NOVONIX uses its Ultra-High Precision Coulometry testing equipment to quickly assess cycle life. UHPC equipment can draw conclusions about improvements in a few weeks or less, rather than months or years required by conventional cycling systems. UHPC testing also provides insights into the mechanism of capacity fade. NOVONIX also performs accelerated aging tests by using higher temperatures or aggressive cycling to simulate many years of use in a shorter time. This insight enables NOVONIX to help manufacturers tweak materials or designs to improve cycle life. Whether it’s trying a new cathode that promises longer life or testing new electrolyte additives to create a more robust SEI, NOVONIX’s work is central to extending how long batteries last.
