Challenges and Strategies for Fast Charge of Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Long charging time for Li‐ion batteries is a critical obstacle for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, especially when compared with the rapid refueling of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Fast charging results in accelerated performance degradation and low energy efficiency for Li‐ion batteries. The batteries adopted in the present electric vehicle market are mainly based on chemistry consisting of a graphite anode and a layered lithium transition‐metal oxide cathode. The fast‐charging capability of such batteries is limited by Li plating on the graphite anode and structural instability of the layered lithium transition‐metal oxide cathode. In this Minireview, the challenges and possible solutions to these fast charge problems are reviewed at both the materials and cell levels.