Preliminary Safety Analysis of the Zinc-Chlorine Electric Vehicle Battery

摘要

This report provides an early and tentative assessment of the public safety implications of the zinc-chlorine battery for electric vehicles. This advanced battery concept is now under active development by the Energy Development Associates (EDA) division of Gulf and Western Industries. DOE has participated in the EDA effort, and the battery may be ready for commercial use by the mid-1980's. Since the design is not yet fixed or fully detailed, the intent is to identify the principal areas of uncertainty and concern for public safety, thereby aiding in further development and initial deployment planning. Of the wide range of potential hazards considered, all were discounted except for possible release of toxic chlorine gas under conditions such as a major collision. The risk of casualties in such accidents appears to be significant, but probably similar to that for casualty rates now arising from sources unique to the ICE vehicle such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. (ERA citation 07:018689)