The benefit of electric vehicles on the environment is significant, even when UK power stations' emissions are taken into account. In 1991 the Advanced Battery Consortium was formed in the USA (USABC) to help develop electric energy systems for electric vehicles that would be competitive with gasoline-powered vehicles. Battery technologies such as NiMH and lithium-ion have the potential to double the range and performance of vehicles compared to advanced lead-acid batteries. Longer-term battery technologies such as lithium polymer and lithium-ion disulphide can make electric vehicles comparable to petrol-powered ones. Except for cost targets, the USABC is close to meeting its mid-term performance goals for NiMH technologies. These goals specified 150-200 W/kg, a specific energy of 80-100 Wh/kg, a battery life of 5 years, a cost of 100 pound sterling or less per kWh. That would result in an acceleration of 0 to 50 mph in 12 s, a driving range of 100-125 mile and a battery cost of between 3000 and 4000 pound sterling. The effectiveness of vehicles based on NiMH batteries has already been demonstrated by means of a prototype sedan powered by a Solectria AC induction direct-drive engine with regenerative braking, batteries made by Ovonic. But challenges remain in battery cost and manufacturing. To cut costs, USABC is focusing on three key areas: raw materials, battery design and volume manufacturing. But also the manufacturers of lead-acid batteries embarked on a programme to improve the life and recharge time of lead-acid batteries. Until batteries drop in price and charging outlets become more commonplace, there is little hope that the private motorist will go elelctric. But since 75 % of automobiles are occupied by one person and travel fewer than 25 km daily, one German company, City Com reasoned that present battery technology is better suited to the development of an entirely different sort of vehicle - the City El, an automobile that runs off three 12 V 90 Ah batteries, and can travel a distance of 50 km at a top speed of just 50 km/hr for just under 12000 DM.
Will batteries ever power the car of the future?
Design Engineering, London ; Aug ; 13-14
1998
2 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 1 Tabelle
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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