Batteries are a key technology in the transition toward more sustainable energy systems, supporting a wide range of applications such as consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage. To effectively understand, compare, and develop battery technologies, it is important to classify them based on certain criteria.
One common way to classify batteries is by their chemical structure, which refers to the materials used in the electrodes and electrolyte. Examples include lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, as well as emerging chemistries like solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. Another method of classification is based on application areas, since batteries are designed to meet the specific demands of different sectors, such as transportation, portable electronics, medical equipment, aerospace, or renewable energy systems.
Batteries can also be grouped by their structural characteristics, meaning their physical design and format. These include cylindrical, prismatic, pouch, and coin cells, each offering different advantages depending on the use case. Finally, batteries are often classified according to their energy density, which is a measure of how much energy they can store relative to their weight or volume—an important factor for performance, especially in space-constrained or high-power applications.
