The new Lithium-Ion Polymer batteries are from Superlattice Power. Supposedly, they will "significantly increase operating voltage range and energy density." Translation: instead of going 120 to 140 miles between charges, electric vehicles will be able to go 200 miles on a single charge. [Ed: just like the Tesla Roadster!] Not only that, but unlike current lithium-ion batteries, the Superlattice variety will be non-toxic and disposable. How'd they do it? According to Motor Authority, a new material gives the new batteries a "wider volt range." We're not entirely sure what that means, but… sounds good! Which brings us to the hard questions. Like, is this the battery breakthrough we've all some of us have been waiting for? Probably not yet, as new technology is rarely cheap. Still, if you're going to spend $40K on a Volt, why not $50K? Oh yeah…
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I love the picture.
That’s some tomato hoisting that cabbage…
“Wider volt range”?
Sounds pretty evasive.
If it means a 5% to 95% SOC is useable, then yes, it’s a heck of an improvement.
Well, as long as fire isn’t involved.
Hey Rick W. @ GM just said the Volt will be available in 2010
The automaker also set a firm schedule for production of the extended-range, electric-powered Chevrolet Volt. Mr. Wagoner said the Volt, which is powered by batteries augmented by a small gasoline engine, will be available for sale no later than the end of 2010.
“In other words, the Chevy Volt is a go,” he said. “We believe this is the biggest step yet in our industry’s move away from our historic, virtually complete reliance on petroleum to power vehicles.”
read it in the NY Times so it has to be true (sic).
smb.
A very big obstacle somehow wasnt easy to win is General Wnter neither Napoleon nor Fuhrer has it figured out. When it drops to -40 everything drops to a grinding halt. A gas or diesel engine could use some external boosting or cold start ether or Tiger torch ( a high temp propane torch to heat up the oel belly). How far can an electric car gimp to is a great unknown.
I do hope these new type of Veggie battery can lead us out of the Red sea like Moses did. Or SLick Rick out of the Sea of Red Ink.
Yep, the heart of the RTP. No surprise there. The Research Triangle is rapidly replacing Silicon Valley as the hotbed for start-up’s and technology related research.
Reasonable housing prices, plenty of top universities, and exceptional quality of life. This area of the world will remain healthy for a long time to come.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/19/stanfords-nanowire-battery-leapfrogs-li-ion/
Lots of research going on. I’ve long said all we need is a few popular EVs on the market and battery tech will advance quickly.
It is not enough. I figure that the needed improvement is more like 10x than 2x.