Battery experts told us they were not surprised by the A123 announcement, mainly because the lithium-iron phosphate chemistry it is using has long had a reputation for being less volatile than other lithium-ion chemistries.
"I wouldn't classify this as a breakthrough," said Elton Cairns, a battery expert and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of California-Berkeley. "It's not like they've invented a new chemistry here. But it's been known by people who work on batteries that this material is much more stable than oxide-based materials. You don't get the thermal runaway with this that you might with other chemistries."
If the Nanophosphate EXT helps eliminate the battery cooling systems on big electric cars, it could be meaningful for EV engineers. Many electric cars employ liquid-based coolants, along with the associated pumps, compressors, and machined plates containing channels that permit the coolant to flow. In an MIT Technology Review article this week on the A123 announcement, a National Renewable Energy Lab engineer said the savings for automakers from the new chemistry could climb as high as 10 to 20 percent per battery pack. Some big EV batteries now cost upwards of $30,000.
Experts said they expect automakers to take a hard look at the possibility of eliminating their cooling systems. "We don't know if they'll want to eliminate the cooling system," Cairns said. "That's an engineering design choice based on how warm they want the battery to get."
A123 has recently fallen on hard times as a result of a $55 million battery recall and a $125 million net loss in the first quarter of 2011. In light of its recent struggles, industry analysts said they would wait to see how significant the Nanophosphate EXT announcement really is.
"If it does everything they claim, then it's a pretty good step forward," said Dave Hurst, senior analyst for Pike Research. "But we'll just have to wait until it gets into a vehicle to see how important it is."
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Mydesign, only in the last few months have there been charging stations becoming available in the US and few EV's are available here so not so different than here. We have a very long way to go.
I've built, driven EV's for 15 yrs. mostly as my only transport and rarely had a problem finding a plug to charge from and even offering to pay, rarely had too. Most were quite happy to help. Afterall every outlet in the world is a potential charge point. Can't say that for gasoline/diesel.
And one can always carry a very small generator for unlimited range from fuel at far better mileage than any similar gas/diesel can because EV drive is 3-7x's as eff and the gen runs at max eff vs a car motors making a total of 7% eff!!
Jerry, am a non us citizen and am staying in a country where only very limited of EVs are in market. So public charging stations are not so common and I think such apps may not be suitable in current situation. In such situation we have to charge either from our house or office, which ever place suitable. As of now, there is no any free or public charging places, but I think if the crude oil prices are jumping like this most of the people may turn to EV and hence chances for public charging facility.
'Jerry, there are options for charging, but we may not sure where the charging points are available. But in my other car, I know where ever we go there are gas stations and a full tank can yield more than 500 miles. Ok, am seriously considering your advice for a built in generator for EV as an alternate fuel source. What about sound/noise level, while in working condition.'
You do know there is an app for that, where charging stations are? If working, being used and for how long, ready to use and available to reserve? Not only that but it'll tell you when charged, how much charge, etc on your smart phone.
The only reason you don't know is you haven't looked hard. Just google EV charging stations for those in your area and the companies that run them like Chargepoint.
As for the generator it can be as noisy or quite as you make, buy it. Certainly can be below tire noise, the biggest source in most EV's.
"Why don't you buy or have a generator built to give yourself unlimited range? You only need 5kw or so depending on what EV you have"
Jerry, there are options for charging, but we may not sure where the charging points are available. But in my other car, I know where ever we go there are gas stations and a full tank can yield more than 500 miles. Ok, am seriously considering your advice for a built in generator for EV as an alternate fuel source. What about sound/noise level, while in working condition.
THis release is interesting. The only way to reduce battery heating for a given power level is to reduce internal resistance. Of course, that would also increase the efficiency of the system, so it would be a quite handy improvement all around. The reality is that just because something can be done once does not mean that it can be produced economically, with an adequate production yield. There may be some unanticipated challenges prior to getting into productioin. But it does sound encouraging.
No it's a drawback for your EV because it's not being used properly and likely not designed well. Many solutions available below.
Your EV is likely too heavy and not aero enough for an EV. Pure EV's should be used for regular commuting, etc within their range which should be figured out before one buys an EV to make sure it meets your needs.
Don't you take advantage of charging stations or opportunity charging? Here in Tampa there are a good number of free chargers at malls, downtown, etc. Plus many places like gas stations will let you charge. Most parking garages have 120vac outlets you can use.
I also have permission to charge at libraries, 7/11's, CVS among other places. Remember there are 5 billion or so outlets one can charge from if 120vac can be used.
Many charge up at work so a full charge when heading home.
Why don't you buy or have a generator built to give yourself unlimited range? You only need 5kw or so depending on what EV you have.
There are many solutions, just pick the ones right for you, your area. If you were running out of gas you'd get refilled, no different with EV's. And there are apps for that for your smart phone.
My present EV only has a 40 mile range on battery but unlimited range with either a generator or charging stations depending on trip needs. I don't own any other vehicles but EV's.
This summer I expect to travel at least to Washington DC with my newest EV, a 1,200lb 2 seat composite body/chassis sportwagon with 100 mile battery range and a 4kw generator and lead batteries.
Be more specific on your EV, area either here online or off and I can help you solve your problem. I'm in the phone book and online. I like doing online so others can see how real life EV's work.
"EV's shouldn't have more than 100-150 mile range"
Jerry, that's one of the major drawback for all Electric vehicles. I have an EV, which yield only 80-90 miles for a full charge. So am not able for any ride outside my local circle. So I think much R&D has to happen for a better yield battery.
Charles, from user point of view they are bothered about price and output power, irrespective of cooling system. Any R&D for a better yield from lithium ion based batteries. I think if cooling system is removing from Electric vehicles; the cost can be brought down considerably.
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