The Evolution and Applications of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries were first commercialized in the 80s for camcorders, leading to untethered recording capabilities. The chemistry of lithium-ion batteries allows for high energy density in a small volume and lightweight design, enabling their use in consumer electronics like laptops and phones. The automotive industry has driven the scale and cost of lithium-ion batteries down, making them prevalent in electric grid applications to meet peak electricity demand and manage fluctuations in consumption patterns in real-time.