Abstract- Lithium-ion batteries have become central to a wide range of applications due to their
high energy density, long cycle life, and decreasing costs. From electric vehicles to
large-scale energy storage systems, they are helping to drive innovation in energy
solutions. This talk will delve into the fundamentals of lithium-ion battery technology,
focusing on the underlying physics that govern their performance, including charge
transport, thermodynamics, and electrochemical processes. We will explore how these
physical principles directly impact key application areas such as energy efficiency,
safety, and aging, with an emphasis on degradation mechanisms that influence battery
life in different operational environments. In addition to covering the core science, we
will discuss how advanced testing and characterization techniques are employed to
optimize battery design and reliability. Furthermore, the integration of AI and machine
learning in battery development is reshaping the field, allowing for predictive
maintenance, accelerated testing, and enhanced performance. We will present cutting-
edge research from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) that addresses challenges in
scaling lithium-ion batteries for long-duration energy storage, electric vehicles, and
heavy-duty trucks, offering a glimpse into the future of this transformative technology.