Battery cell selection on equal terms

Battery cell benchmarking compares candidate cells with each other under the same conditions, on the values that matter for your application. The conventional way is to compare datasheets. That is where the problem lies: every manufacturer measures under its own conditions, so the values are not comparable. The comparison is only fair when every cell was measured the same way. Batemo measures every cell in the Batemo Cell Explorer under identical electrical and thermal conditions on its own test benches, and Batemo Insights puts these measurements side by side.

A datasheet states values measured under the manufacturer's own conditions, usually at room temperature and a slow, constant discharge, typically 0.2C to 0.5C. Every manufacturer chooses its own conditions, so the datasheets of two cells do not line up. Your product also draws other currents at other temperatures, where usable capacity and heating differ. Data measured to one test standard closes that gap.

It depends on the test matrix: candidate cells times temperature steps times load cases times repeats. In a standard case (10 candidates, −20 to 40 °C, 5 load cases, 40 test channels), the classic route takes about 47 days. With Batemo Insights the same comparison takes about 10 days, because nothing has to be sourced or measured. These are working figures from Batemo's engineers. Use the calculator on this page to estimate the time for your own project in a few seconds.

Yes, for every cell in the Batemo Cell Explorer. Each of them was measured by Batemo. The free Batemo Cell Explorer gives a first look at every cell, and Batemo Insights holds the full measurement record, so you compare the whole longlist before you order a single sample. For a cell that is not in the Cell Explorer yet, Batemo measures your A- or B-sample.

That depends on how your product is used. Write down its operating window first: the currents it draws, the temperature range and the lifetime it needs. The KPIs then follow from the application. Power tools draw high currents in short bursts, so peak power, continuous power towards the end of discharge and the temperature rise of the cell matter most. In e-bikes and other light mobility, range decides: every watt-hour per kilogram counts, and so does the usable capacity in the cold. Automotive and industrial packs add cycle life, fast-charging capability and the behavior at high temperature. Compare the cells on exactly the KPIs your application needs. Batemo Insights gives you the measured data behind these KPIs for every cell in the Batemo Cell Explorer: capacity and power at your currents, heat generation, aging and batch spread, all measured by Batemo under identical conditions.

It depends on how much the cells of one type vary. Cells from a mature, high-quality series production are usually very consistent, so the spread between them is small. For new cell types, early samples or suppliers you do not know yet, the spread can be large. If you do not know, three cells per test point are a good starting value: that shows the spread and makes an outlier visible. Keep in mind that the test matrix multiplies: candidates times temperature steps times load cases times cells per point. A practical way to keep it manageable is to narrow the longlist with measured data first and test only the two or three finalists in depth. Batemo Insights shows the measured batch spread of every cell in the library before you order samples.