GS Yuasa’s improved cells: LEV50 vs LEV50N

GS Yuasa LEV50-4 module

In the summer of 2012 Mitsubishi MiEV’s French brothers, Citroen C-Zero and Peugeot iOn started using a battery with reduced capacity, 14,5 kWh (80 cells) instead of 16 kWh (88 cells). Nonetheless, Mitsubishi i-MiEV kept the 16 kWh battery.

At the time PSA said that cars would keep the previous range because the regenerative braking was now more efficient. However, there was a change in battery cell chemistry and LEV50 was replaced by LEV50N. A change of electrolyte that allows it to be more heat resistant, similar to what happened in the Leaf with the lizard battery. The Ragone curve (battery efficiency) also improved.

 

We have developed new large sized 50 Ah lithium ion cells with specific energy of 110 Wh kg for electric vehicle (EV) applications. The cells were redesigned on the basis of advanced technologies optimized composition of lithium manganese oxide positive active material and adoption of electrolyte additive. The cells exhibit excellent performances namely, the high rate discharge capability at 6 C rate at 25 °C is 96% based on 0.2 C rate, and the retained discharge capacity is 90% after 700 cycles under the condition of D.O.D. 100% at 45 °C.

The new product has higher durability in a hot environment and more than two times longer life under given conditions.

 

These new cells retain 80 % of the initial capacity after 5.500 charge/discharge cycles (100 % DOD @ 25°C).

 

GS Yuasa LEV50N data sheet

 

When buying a used C-Zero or iOn, go for the 14,5 kWh battery, the new cells are superior to the old ones used in the previous 16 kWh battery. Moreover, since the battery efficiency improved a lot (see the Ragone curve in the PDF documents) you’ll be able to get the same range.

However, only in 2015 the Citroen C-Zero and the Peugeot iOn got the battery warranty increased from 5 years and 50.000 km to 8 years and 100.000 km. Therefore you might want to avoid buying an used unit that was registered before 2015.

As I mentioned before the Mitsubishi i-MiEV kept using a 16 kWh battery but it also had its cells upgraded. When buying a used i-MiEV, choose one that was built after the summer of 2012 to be sure that you get the newer cells with increased lifespan.

 

 

More info:

http://hightechindustryinjapan.blogspot.pt/2012/03/no-458-longer-lasting-lithium-ion.html

Pedro Lima

My interest in electric transportation is mostly political. I’m tired of coups and wars for oil. My expectation is that the adoption of electric transportation will be a factor for peace and democracy all over the world.

17 Responses

  1. Thanks for clarifying the differences in C-Zero/iOn battery and regenerative braking technology in comparison to the i-MiEV.

    I just discovered your blog today and will be checking back often.

  2. Ralf K says:

    Pedro, please correct the second link to refer to:
    http://www.gs-yuasa.com/en/technic/vol9/pdf/009_01_026.pdf

  3. Sapin says:

    Hello,

    I see on youtube that all cells can be replaced by cells with more capacity, and the total capacity become 33kw :

    https://youtu.be/VsYd4NXaMpo

    ++

  4. alessandro says:

    The charger and the controller are able to charge and discharge a 100Ah battery? Or they recognize only a 50Ah battery?

  5. kenny says:

    That utoube video is stolen from the owner, it was made to show how to replace a single defective cell. That was Martin’s car, the co-creator of the Canion app.

    The capacity of the miev is limited in the operating system firmware, there is a program value for maximum capacity. So even replacing the cells with higher capacity (e.g. 100Ah) will not increase the range.

  6. Claus says:

    Hi

    Is it possible to see if a car is with the new or old chemistry with CanIon or other places?

    Thanks

    Br
    Claus

  7. Claus says:

    To answer my own question. If the battery capacity is 14.4kwh then it is the new battery chemistry! (16kwh and it’s the old)
    The capacity can be seen under the engine lid on the battery pack it self. Or in the instructions manual.

  8. Paul says:

    Second Life EV Batteries do have LEV50 Cells and Modules for sale if you were looking for one http://www.slevb.com

  9. alessandro says:

    Are you sure about this? I saw an Outlander PHEV with bigger batteries with increased range

    • Paul says:

      @alessandro where did you see an Outlander PHEV with bigger batteries. This is something i really keen to do myself to a Outlander PHEV. do you know if it was online. any links to it. Its unclear to me at moment if the Outlander PHEV software will recognise a bigger pack capacity or if you would need to find a way to switch packs over when one gets low if running more than 1 pack.

  10. Lorenzo Rizzardo says:

    Good evening, I am in possession of a 2011 I-miev Mitsubishi and obviously over the years the road that I can follow with a full charge has decreased. Where can I buy cells to replace damaged or exhausted ones?
    thanks
    Lorenzo

  11. Jayme Capurso says:

    Thanks for posting this info, I am very keen on getting a MiniCab….

  12. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://www.binance.com/sv/register?ref=JHQQKNKN

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