The key difference between battery SOC vs SOP in electric vehicles is that SOC refers to the remaining battery capacity expressed as a percentage of its maximum capacity, while SOP refers to the battery’s ability to provide the requested power in real-time based on factors like temperature and discharge rates. On the other hand, State of Power (SOP) is a measure of the maximum power that a battery can deliver at a given moment. While SOC reflects the energy content, SOP focuses on the instantaneous power capability. Following is the table that displays their differences:
| Feature | Battery State of Charge (SOC) | State of Power (SOP) |
| Definition | The amount of electrical energy stored in a battery at a given time, expressed as a percentage of the total capacity. | The rate at which energy is either supplied to or extracted from the battery, measured in watts or kilowatts. |
| Measurement Unit | Percentage (%) | Watts (W) or Kilowatts (kW) |
| Represents | Energy stored capacity. | Power flow in or out of the battery. |
| Dynamics | Changes gradually over time as the battery is charged or discharged. | Can change rapidly as the power demand varies. |
| Indication of Capacity | Indicates how much energy is left in the battery relative to its full capacity. | Does not directly indicate the remaining capacity; it represents the rate of energy transfer. |
| Influence on Battery Life | Generally not directly impacting battery life, but extremely high or low SOC over time can affect battery health. | Rapid changes in SOP, especially high power rates, may impact the battery life and efficiency. |
| Control and Regulation | Used for managing charging and discharging cycles to optimize battery performance and lifespan. | Used for controlling the flow of power in real-time, adjusting to meet demand or storing excess energy. |
| Example Scenario | SOC might be 80%, indicating the battery has 80% of its full energy capacity available. | SOP might be 5 kW, indicating the battery is supplying or receiving 5 kilowatts of power at that moment. |
SOC influences range prediction and battery life, while SOP is crucial for assessing the instantaneous power demands, impacting acceleration and overall vehicle dynamics. Balancing these two parameters is essential for achieving an optimal balance between range, performance, and battery longevity in electric vehicles.
