PhD Start up Strategies for Battery Electric Vehicles and Aircraft in Cold Climates in Loughborough United Kingdom | Loughborough University

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions in transportation by utilizing renewable energy sources and producing no exhaust emissions. Yet, their restricted driving range continues to pose a major challenge, particularly in colder regions where battery performance declines and energy storage capacity diminishes.

Standard lithium-ion batteries also face charging limitations in freezing conditions because of potential lithium plating and internal short circuits. This study will investigate battery management techniques to optimize BEV range when operating below freezing. Potential approaches involve using discharge-generated heat, external warming systems, and supplementary power storage units. These strategies could be relevant for both electric automobiles and unmanned aerial vehicles operating at high altitudes.