Transportation | November 20, 2008 |
Plug-in Hybrid Battery Charges Ahead
While Bob Lutz may have been a little off the mark when he said hybrids like the Toyota Prius made little economic sense, the fact remains that a cloud of uncertainty has always seemed to surround the battery at the heart of many hybrids. After all, Toyota has long touted the longevity of its vehicles—yet the Prius battery's warranty is only 100,000 miles. With traditional battery failure a fact of automotive life, many buyers have concerns about the expensive nickel metal hydride unit at the heart of most hybrids.The performance of batteries for plug-in hybrids -- including both safety and durability has also been a concern. However, there's good news from energy provider Southern California Edison this week. For the past two-and-a-half years, a lithium ion battery intended for plug-in hybrids vehicles —albeit one running under laboratory conditions—has been operating for the equivalent of 180,000 miles in a delivery van, and indeed continues to do so, with very little degradation in performance.
Though it's good news for anyone interested in emissions free transport, energy providers such as SCE should be especially encouraged by the development, as it could mean more drivers plugging in rather than pumping up in the very near future. My only concern is over possible toxicity and volatility of the lithium-ion battery used in the testing—it could pose some serious problems if safer technologies are not employed.
Reddit
Digg
Stumble
ShareThis
Comments By Readers
Thanks for the post...
But I do think we need to heed the core message from Bob Lutz. Cost does matter.
The auto industry has a problem with the combustion engine, not oil. And the reason why electric vehicles powered by batteries, fuel cells and capacitors are appealing is that they simplifying the manufacturing platform.
So lithium ion batteries are only a first step before we integrate fuel cells and capacitors into a cohesive electric motor platform.
We've had a lot of good news, but it's also confusing. We should all rally around one thing- killing the combustion engine!
Thanks-- big fan of MN!
Garry G
Editor
http://www.theenergyroadmap.com
Post Your Comment