The Evolution of Battery: A Comprehensive History from Early Discoveries to EV

11 Apr 2025

10 Min Read

Associate Professor Ir Dr Rifqi Irzuan Bin Abdul Jalal (Academic Contributor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Contributed by AP Ir Dr Rifqi Irzuan Bin Abdul Jalal, whose research focuses on electric vehicles (EVs), next generation vehicle (NxGV), vehicle engineering, engine management systems, automotive prototyping, and more. He can be reached at rifqi.abduljalal@taylors.edu.my.

Batteries have been the silent force behind some of the most transformative advancements in human history. From sparking the first experiments with electricity to driving today’s push for sustainable energy, they have continually evolved to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified world. What began as rudimentary electrochemical discoveries has given rise to powerful, high-density energy storage solutions that fuel modern life.

Ancient Electrochemical Discoveries

One of the most intriguing electrochemical artifacts is the Baghdad Battery, discovered in modern-day Iraq and dated between 250 BCE and 250 CE. This artifact consists of a terracotta pot containing a copper cylinder and an iron rod. When filled with an acidic liquid such as vinegar or lemon juice, it could generate a small electric current. Although the exact purpose of this device remains debated, some theories suggest it may have been used for electroplating, while others believe it served as a simple storage container.

_{Unearthed in the 1930s by Austrian archaeologist Wilhelm König, the Baghdad Battery was hypothesised to function as an electrochemical cell, possibly for electroplating gold onto silver artifacts. Ironie, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.}

A similar artifact, known as the Parthian Battery, is believed to have originated from the Parthian Empire around 200 BCE. It shares many characteristics with the Baghdad Battery, reinforcing the idea that early civilisations may have had a rudimentary understanding of electrochemical principles.

The Birth of Modern Batteries

The true revolution in battery technology began with Alessandro Volta’s invention of the Voltaic Pile in 1800. Considered the first true battery, the Voltaic Pile consisted of stacked metal plates separated by brine-soaked cloth, creating a continuous electrical current. This groundbreaking invention enabled early electrical experiments and had a significant impact on industrial applications.

_{Alessandro Volta’s invention of the Voltaic Pile was so groundbreaking that the unit of electric potential, the volt (V), was named in his honour by the International Electrical Congress in 1881. I, GuidoB, CC BY-SA 3.0, , via Wikimedia Commons.}

Building upon Volta’s work, John Frederic Daniell developed the Daniell Cell in 1836, which addressed the issue of polarisation that plagued the Voltaic Pile. This improvement made batteries more efficient and practical, leading to their widespread use in telegraphy and scientific research. Subsequent developments, such as the Leclanché cell in the 1860s, further refined battery efficiency and portability, setting the stage for more advanced designs.

_{The Daniell Cell was the primary power source for early telegraph systems, enabling long-distance communication before the telephone was even invented. Daderotderivative work: Wdwd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.}

The Rise of Rechargeable Batteries

The invention of the lead-acid battery by Gaston Planté in 1859 marked a significant milestone in battery technology. Unlike earlier designs, this battery was rechargeable, making it ideal for applications that required repeated energy storage and discharge.

Lead-acid batteries found early applications in lighting and, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, powered the first wave of electric vehicles. Today, lead-acid batteries remain widely used in modern automobiles due to their affordability and durability.

_{Lead-acid batteries are rechargeable and can typically withstand hundreds to even thousands of charge cycles, depending on their usage and maintenance.}

As battery technology continued to evolve, Thomas Edison experimented with nickel-iron batteries for electric vehicles in the early 1900s. Although his design was not commercially successful, it paved the way for the development of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries in 1899, which became widely used in portable electronics. By the late 20th century, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries emerged as a safer, more efficient alternative. These batteries are still commonly used in hybrid vehicles due to their balance of cost, durability, and performance.

_{Before lithium-ion became the standard, NiMH batteries were widely used in early mobile phones, cameras, and laptops, gradually replacing older Nickel-Cadmium NiCd batteries.}

The Lithium-Ion Revolution

The advent of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries revolutionised energy storage, powering everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. The theoretical groundwork for Li-ion batteries was laid in the 1970s by Stanley Whittingham, who explored lithium-based energy storage.

Breakthroughs by John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino in the 1980s and early 1990s led to the first commercial Li-ion battery, which Sony introduced in 1991. This new battery technology offered several advantages over its predecessors, including higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lower weight, making it ideal for portable electronics.

_{From left to right: Akira Yoshino, John Goodenough, and M. Stanley Whittingham. Photo obtained from IEEE.}

The rapid miniaturisation of technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries drove the demand for Li-ion batteries. Companies such as Panasonic, LG Chem, and Samsung SDI focused on improving battery efficiency, capacity, and safety. Li-ion batteries quickly became the industry standard for laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and other handheld devices.

Batteries and the EV Revolution

The role of batteries in the eletric vehicle (EV) revolution cannot be overstated. Early EVs relied on lead-acid batteries, which, despite being rechargeable, were heavy and inefficient. By the 1990s and 2000s, NiMH batteries powered hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, but they lacked the energy density required for full EVs.

The breakthrough came with Li-ion batteries in the 2000s, which enabled lightweight, high-capacity energy storage. Tesla’s introduction of the Roadster in 2008 demonstrated that EVs could be both high-performance and long-range. Since then, battery technology has been at the centre of EV advancements, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing efficiency, range, and sustainability.

China has emerged as a leader in EV battery production, with companies like CATL pioneering lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, known for their safety and cost-effectiveness. BYD has developed the Blade Battery, which enhances safety and longevity, while NIO has introduced battery swap technology, allowing for rapid battery replacement.

Other global developments include solid-state battery research by Toyota and QuantumScape, as well as Tesla’s 4680 battery cells, which promise improved efficiency and longevity.

_{BYD’s Blade Battery is an ultra-safe LFP battery, designed to withstand extreme conditions—including punctures—without catching fire, significantly reducing thermal runaway risks. Image from BD Auto Group.}

The Future of Battery Technology

The future of batteries is focused on developing next-generation technologies that offer higher energy density, faster charging, and greater sustainability. Solid-state batteries, which promise improved performance and safety, are being explored by Toyota, QuantumScape, and CATL. Sodium-ion batteries, seen as a low-cost and sustainable alternative, are gaining traction with companies like CATL and BYD. Meanwhile, advancements in graphene and silicon-anode batteries may unlock ultra-fast charging and extended lifespans.

EV battery concerns often come from those who haven't owned one. Since 2020, EVs have excelled in range, efficiency, and performance. With 90% of charging done at home, they eliminate petrol stops. As battery tech advances, EVs will be cheaper, greener, and faster to charge, making them key to a net-zero future.

— Associate Professor Ir Dr Rifqi Irzuan Bin Abdul Jalal

Sustainability remains a key concern in battery production. Companies like Redwood Materials are leading efforts in battery recycling, with new technologies capable of recovering more than 95% of battery materials. The industry is also shifting towards reducing reliance on rare materials by developing cobalt-free and lithium-free batteries. Apart from the above, AI-driven battery optimisation is expected to enhance battery lifespan and energy efficiency.

_{Up to 95% of Li-ion battery materials, including cobalt, nickel, and lithium, can be recovered and reused in new batteries with advanced recycling technologies, helping to reduce reliance on mining.}

Conclusion

The evolution of batteries, from Voltaic Pile to today’s cutting-edge lithium-ion and solid-state technologies, has been instrumental in shaping modern life. As battery technology continues to advance, the potential for decarbonising transportation and energy storage becomes increasingly viable. The next breakthrough in battery innovation could hold the key to a truly sustainable future, transforming the way we power the world.

If you're fascinated by how technology transforms the way we store and use power, why not turn that passion into a career? Explore our Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) and be part of the next breakthrough in renewable energy, EVs, and battery technology.

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