Getting the chemistry right

摘要

Battery technology is developing quickly. Energy density is increasing, allowing electric cars and plug-in hybrids to travel further on a single charge. But batteries remain big, heavy and difficult to package, Reducing battery weight could help vehicles to travel further. The 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the Nissan Leaf compact weighs 300kg, giving the vehicle a range of 199km based on the NEDC test cycle. And the Opel-Vauxhall Ampera range-extender can achieve 60km electric range with its 198kg, 16kWh pack, The ultimate goal is to cut weight while maintaining or increasing energy density, Big weight savings will only come from the development of new battery chemistries, but smaller cuts will result from improvements in other areas.