Prismatic cell VS Pouch Cell
Here is the difference Introduction between Prismatic cell and pouch cell,let’s see the following
1.Packaging materials and structures
Pouch cell: Using aluminum-plastic composite film as the outer shell, the texture is soft,and the interior is usually laminated,this design makes the battery thinner and lighter,and the shape can be customized (such as ultra-thin or irregular).
Prismatic cells: using aluminum or steel shells as hard packaging,and can be wound or laminated internally,strong structural rigidity,fixed size,suitable for standardized production.
2.Safety
Pouch Cell:High safety,usually bulges and deflates during thermal runaway,and is not easy to explode,however,aluminum-plastic film is prone to puncture or collision damage,which may lead to electrolyte leakage.
Prismatic Cell:Hard shell has better sealing performance,but when the internal pressure suddenly increases due to thermal runaway,it may pose a risk of explosion,some designs enhance safety through structures such as pressure relief valves.
3.Energy density and weight
Pouch:Light weight (20% -40% lighter than square),with higher energy density (due to the absence of heavy shells),suitable for scenarios with high requirements for lightweight (such as consumer electronics and high-end electric vehicles).
Prismatic:The energy density is second, but CTP (Cell to Pack) technology can improve grouping efficiency and achieve balanced overall performance.
4.Cost and Process
Pouch:The laminating process is complex and costly,customized design leads to fewer models and higher development costs.
Prismatic cell:Mature technology and low cost,high standardization level, suitable for large-scale production.
5.Consistency and production difficulty and Application
Pouch cell:The laminating process requires high precision and poor individual consistency,requiring strict quality control,Application:Consumer electronics, high-end electric vehicles (such as some European models), portable energy storage.
Prismatic:The winding process has a high degree of automation and good consistency,but the diversity of models makes it difficult to unify the process,Application:Mainstream new energy vehicles,small and medium-sized energy storage systems,and large-scale energy storage power stations.
6.Conclusion
Pouch battery cells have advantages in energy density and safety,but their popularity is limited by cost and consistency issues; Prismatic battery cells have high comprehensive cost-effectiveness,mature technology,and are suitable for large-scale applications,the choice depends on specific needs, such as choosing a lightweight soft package or choosing a square one for stability and cost control.