Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) for the selection of Li-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs)

Battery-operated electrical vehicles are gradually replacing combustion engine-based vehicles. However, this is happening at a very slow pace as the development of better performing batteries are still underway. Rapid charging, long range driving, longest battery life and low cost are the stringent requirements to be met in developing battery technology. The most widely used Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have managed to deliver a reasonable performance, but with high cost and shorter life span. The materials used for electrodes play a vital role in deciding the battery performance, cost, and life. The Li-ion batteries, which are currently in use, are classified based on the material used in making electrodes. The practical issue is that the EV manufacturers do find it difficult to select a best Li-ion battery, in order to strike a trade-off between performance, cost, and life. In this paper, an MCDM based methodology for the selection of Li-ion batteries that are categories based on cathode/ anode material, is proposed. The method is useful for the EV OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in selection of the best battery, and to optimize the cost, and the performance of the EVs.