Due to the large error of the traditional battery theoretical model during largerate discharge for electromagnetic launch, the Shepherd derivative model considering the factors of the pulse cycle condition, temperature, and life is proposed by the Naval University of Engineering. The discharge rate of traditional lithium-ion batteries does not exceed 10C, while that for electromagnetic launch reaches 60C. The continuous pulse cycle condition of ultra-large discharging rate causes many unique electrochemical reactions inside the cells. The traditional model cannot accurately describe the discharge characteristics of the battery. The accurate battery theoretical model is an important basis for system efficiency calculation, precise discharge control, and remaining capacity prediction. To this purpose, an experimental platform for electromagnetic launch is built, and discharge characteristics of the battery under different rate, temperature, and life decay are measured. Through the experimental test and analysis, the reason that the traditional model cannot accurately characterize the large-rate discharge process is analyzed. And a novel battery theoretical model is designed with the help of genetic algorithm, which is integrated with the electromagnetic launch topology. Numerical simulation is compared with the experimental results, which verifies the modeling accuracy for the large-rate discharge. On this basis, a variety of discharge conditions are applied to test the applicability of the model resulting in better results. Finally, with the continuous cycle-pulse condition in the electromagnetic launch system, the stability and accuracy of the model are confirmed. K E Y W O R D S battery model, electromagnetic launch, large-rate discharge, lithium iron phosphate battery 1 | INTRODUCTION Electromagnetic launch is a novel technology that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy to achieve a sharp amplification of power and launch objects with ultrahigh speed using the Lorentz force. It gradually becomes a research hotspot in high-energy weapons, air transportation, rail transit, and particle collisions. It features large launch kinetic energy, high speed control accuracy, short launch period, low cost, and high safety. 1 The energy flow topology of electromagnetic launch is shown in Figure 1.With the advantage of the high energy density of the battery pack, the topology can store huge energy with a low power, and