Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are an alternative to mitigate environmental impacts in the vehicle sector. However, their performance is limited by degradation during use, downtime, and environmental and operating conditions. This work analyzes the behavior of lithium-ion batteries when used in a light electric vehicle. Specifically, it determines the state of charge and state of health of a lithium-ion battery package when used in a light electric vehicle with a 500–1080 W power rating and a 48 V, 8.8 Ah electric motor. This light electric vehicle underwent a worldwide harmonized motorcycle emissions certification/test procedure, while the lithium-ion batteries were evaluated at 25, 35, 45, and 65 °C. Voltage, amperage, and temperature were measured in real time. A thermographic study was also conducted in which heat transfer images of lithium-ion batteries were taken in different positions. The results show that the lithium-ion battery package retains more heat in the central area of the module. For example, in the 25 °C test, the most critical temperature reading was 29.9 °C. In the 65 °C test; however, the most critical temperature reading was 80.2 °C. The implementation of a ventilation system for the lithium-ion battery package for applications in light vehicles was evident. Lithium-ion batteries were found to be sensitive to temperatures above 35 °C. These high temperatures cause accelerated voltage loss and an imbalance in cell charge, which consequently lowering performance. Therefore, the state of charge and state of health of the Lithium-ion battery package are significantly impacted.
Data availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the Instituto Politécnico Nacional and an EDI grant from SIP/IPN.
Funding
The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI - México) and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional for the support received in SIP 20250033, SIP 20250150 as well as an EDI grant, all from SIP/IPN.
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Conceptualization, J.C.P.R., O.J.R. and C.R.T.S.M., methodology, J.C.P.R., and J.M.Q., ; software, J. M.Q.; validation, R.V.M and O.J.R.; formal analysis J.M.Q., and J.C.P.R, investigation, J.C.P.R and R.V.M.; resources J.C.P.R. and C.R.T.S.M.; data curation, J.C.P.R. and J.M.Q.; writing—original draft preparation, J.C.P.R. and J.M.Q. ; writing—review and editing, J.C.P.R., O.J.R. and R.V.M.; visualization, J.M.Q.; supervision, J.C.P.R, and R.V.M.; project administration, J.M.Q. and J.C.P.R.; funding acquisition, J.C.P.R. All authors reviewed the manuscript.
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Quintana, J.M., Paredes-Rojas, J.C., Vázquez-Medina, R. et al. Temperature and voltage effects on the charge and health of lithium-ion battery modules in light electric vehicles. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40094-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40094-5
