Interactive Battery Atlas

Inside the Heart of EV Batteries

From anode, cathode, electrolyte and separator — to Li-ion, LFP, NMC, NCA, sodium-ion and solid-state cells. Explore chemistry, power behavior, advantages and drawbacks interactively.

7chemistries

3cell formats

5inner layers

∞ion motion

Anatomy of a Battery Cell

Every Li-ion cell is built from four core layers. Click each layer below to see its role and the chemicals inside.

Battery Chemistry Atlas

Pick a chemistry. The molecular recipe, energy density, cycle life and thermal behavior come to life on the right.

Charge & Discharge — Ions in Motion

During charging Li⁺ ions move from cathode to anode; during discharge they flow back. Cell voltage, temperature and state-of-charge update in real time.

State of Charge (SoC) 62%

Cell Voltage 3.72 V

Cell Temperature 28 °C

Current −45 A

In discharge, Li⁺ ions flow from anode to cathode; electrons pass through the external circuit and power the motor.

Cell Formats — Same Chemistry, Different Shape

The same chemical recipe ships in three geometries — each balances thermal management, manufacturability and energy density differently.

Cylindrical

18650 · 21700 · 4680

Electrodes wound as a "jelly roll" inside a metal can. High precision, easy manufacturing, solid thermal behavior.

Used by:Tesla, Lucid, Rivian
Energy density:250–300 Wh/kg
Strength: modularity, cheap to make

Prismatic

BYD Blade · CATL

Stacked electrodes inside a rigid case. High volumetric efficiency, robust packaging, easy sealing.

Used by:BYD, VW, BMW
Energy density:160–230 Wh/kg
Strength: high pack-level fill

Pouch

GM Ultium · Hyundai

Flexible packaging in aluminum-laminate film. Highest gravimetric energy density, but swelling has to be managed.

Used by:GM, Hyundai, Kia
Energy density:250–340 Wh/kg
Strength: lightweight, flexible form

Side-by-Side Comparison

Select up to 3 chemistries. Compare across energy density, cycle life, safety, cold performance, cost and critical-mineral dependence.

Pros & Cons — The Engineering Trade-off

No chemistry is perfect. Each has bright spots and shadows.

Sustainability & Recycling

EV batteries can enter a "second life" as stationary storage; afterwards hydro- or pyrometallurgical recycling can recover up to ~95% of lithium, cobalt and nickel. Cobalt-free chemistries (LFP, sodium-ion) ease ethical-sourcing pressure — at the cost of energy density.

~95% metal recovery Second life: 5–8 yrs Cobalt-free options

The Periodic Family Inside Your Battery

An EV battery is a small but carefully chosen slice of the periodic table. Each element plays a distinct role.

Bottom line

There is no single "best" battery — only the right chemistry for the job. LFP wins on longevity for daily city EVs; NCA / NMC-811 dominate on density for long-range premium SUVs; solid-state holds the promise for the next performance frontier.