Battery
Batteries are the pulsing hearts of electric vehicles. But automobile batteries are far more complex than simple AAAs; they are highly innovative and revolutionary.
Although modern batteries sport zero emissions, they suffer from several problems. First, they are heavy. A conventional lead-acid battery pack weighs over 1,000 pounds. Secondly, they are expensive. The cost of a battery pack – $2,000 for lead-acid and up to $30,000 for lithium ion is not only individually expensive, but eliminates any direct fuel cost savings. Thirdly, conventional batteries in PEHV vehicles take up to twelve hours to recharge, depending on whether a 120v or 240v plug-in is used. Fourthly, they have limited power. Many batteries, such as those of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, have a range of approximately 100 miles and poor acceleration.
Conventional systems use lead-acid batteries, while the newest batteries utilize lithium ion (Li-Ion) power. Many electric vehicles rely on nickel metal hydride (NiMH), and other use lithium nickel manganese oxide, which is a more stable combination. Some experts are pursuing bacteria-based battery technology.
Abundant research is being conducted worldwide. Toyota uses their patented Synergy system, while MIT believes the future of electric vehicles rest in robotic nanotechnology. In 2008, Australian research organization CSIRO released their UltraBattery, with a life-cycle four times the length of conventional battery packs. The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative pushes for the development of marketable hydrogen fuel cell technology, which can nearly effortlessly power electric vehicles.
Possibly, todays Li-Ion batteries may be tomorrows AAAs.