Source: AD #3587 – Toyota Launches All-Out EV Effort; GM to Make $50 Billion on ICE Investments; U.S. Treasury Scolded for EV Loopholes – Autoline Daily - Toyota is developing LFP bipolar batteries, where an electrode acts as both the anode and cathode, . . . This is important because Toyota is building a battery module where cells are internally connected in series: Potentially a huge reduction in battery pack, cell wiring. Most of the single cell, battery wiring are 'fuse links' that are resistive, parasitic heat generators. Raises the battery/cell module voltages high enough that silicon or silicon carbide losses all but disappear. If you take a 9 V battery apart, you will find a stack of individual cells in series: This is functionally what the Toyota battery 'module' is doing. It eliminates the per cell, fuse link in the series circuit between each 3.5V cell. This brings the battery 'module' voltage up higher than semiconductor voltages, 0.6V, allowing much finer control of battery 'module' balancing. Toyota's approach, much like the Prius battery modules, is much more space and electrically efficient. But there is no free lunch. The multi-cell, higher voltage between the end terminals provides a discharge path UNLESS the edges of each cell can be sealed. An insulating adhesive or coating should do the trick but this can be 'tricky.' Bob Wilson
