The mass of a 200 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack depends significantly on the battery chemistry employed. Different battery types, such as lithium-ion, lead-acid, and nickel-metal hydride, possess varying energy densities. Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored per unit of mass. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, generally offer higher energy densities compared to other chemistries. Therefore, a 200 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will typically weigh less than a 200 kWh lead-acid battery pack. Factors like battery management systems, cooling systems, and the enclosure also contribute to the overall system weight.
Understanding battery system mass is crucial for numerous applications. In electric vehicles, a lower weight translates to improved range, acceleration, and overall efficiency. For stationary energy storage solutions, weight influences installation logistics and structural requirements. The continuous development of battery technologies with higher energy densities is driven by the need to reduce weight while maintaining or increasing energy capacity. This pursuit of lighter, more energy-dense batteries is essential for advancing electric mobility and grid-scale energy storage.