Main article: Rechargeable batteriesFurther information: Rechargeable electricity storage system
An electric vehicle battery (EVB) is a rechargeable battery used in electric vehicles, making them battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Batteries are usually the most expensive component of BEVs, although batteries from old or wrecked electric cars can be bought for battery-to-grid mini-power plants. The cost of battery manufacture is substantial, but increasing returns to scale may serve to lower their cost when BEVs are manufactured on the scale of modern internal combustion vehicles. Since the late 1990s, advances in battery technologies have been driven by skyrocketing demand for laptop computers and mobile phones, with consumer demand for more features, larger, brighter displays, and longer battery time driving research and development in the field. The BEV marketplace has reaped the benefits of these advances.
Some batteries can be leased or rented instead of bought (see Think Global).
One article indicates that 10 kW·h of battery energy provides a range of about 20 miles (32 km) in a Toyota Prius, but this is not a primary source, and does not fit with estimates elsewhere of about 5 miles (8.0 km) /(kW·h). The Chevrolet Volt is expected to achieve 50 MPG when running on the auxiliary power unit (a small onboard generator) - at 33% thermodynamic efficiency that would mean 12 kW·h for 50 miles (80 km), or about 240 watt hours per mile. For prices of 1 kW·h of charge with various different battery technologies, see the "Energy/Consumer Price" column in the "Table of rechargeable battery technologies" section in the rechargeable battery article.
Rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles include lead-acid ("flooded", Deep cycle, and VRLA), NiCd, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, Li-ion polymer, and, less commonly, zinc-air and molten salt batteries. The amount of electricity (i.e. electric charge) stored in batteries is measured in ampere hours or in coulombs, with the total energy often measured in watt hours.
Specifics
Charging
Batteries in BEVs must be periodically recharged (see also Replacing, below). BEVs most commonly charge from the power grid (at home or using a street or shop recharging point), which is in turn generated from a variety of domestic resources, such as coal, hydroelectricity, nuclear and others. Home power such as roof top photovoltaic solar cell panels, microhydro or wind may also be used and are promoted because of concerns regarding global warming.
Charging time is limited primarily by the capacity of the grid connection. A normal household outlet is between 1.5 kilowatts (in the US, Canada, Japan, and other countries with 110 volt supply) to 3 kilowatts (in countries with 240 V supply). Many European countries feed domestic consumers with a 3 phase system fused at 16-25 amp allowing for a theoretical capacity around 20-30 kW. however, this capacity is also required to feed the rest of the location and can hence not be used practically and will also not be supported "en masse" by the distribution network. At this higher power level charging even a small, 7 kilowatt-hour (14–28 mi) pack, would probably require one hour. This is small compared to the effective power delivery rate of an average petrol pump, about 5,000 kilowatts. Even if the supply power can be increased, most batteries do not accept charge at greater than their charge rate ("1 C "), because high charge rate has adverse effect on the discharge capacities of batteries.
In 1995, some charging stations charged BEVs in one hour. In November 1997, Ford purchased a fast-charge system produced by AeroVironment called "PosiCharge" for testing its fleets of Ranger EVs, which charged their lead-acid batteries in between six and fifteen minutes. In February 1998, General Motors announced a version of its "Magne Charge" system which could recharge NiMH batteries in about ten minutes, providing a range of sixty to one hundred miles.
In 2005, handheld device battery designs by Toshiba were claimed to be able to accept an 80% charge in as little as 60 seconds. Scaling this specific power characteristic up to the same 7 kilowatt-hour EV pack would result in the need for a peak of 340 kilowatts of power from some source for those 60 seconds. It is not clear that such batteries will work directly in BEVs as heat build-up may make them unsafe.
Most people do not always require fast recharging because they have enough time, six to eight hours, during the work day or overnight to recharge. As the charging does not require attention it takes a few seconds for an owner to plug in and unplug their vehicle. Many BEV drivers prefer refueling at home, avoiding the inconvenience of visiting a fuel station. Some workplaces provide special parking bays for electric vehicles with charging equipment provided. In colder areas such as Minnesota and Canada there exists some infrastructure for public power outlets, in parking garages and at parking meters, provided primarily for engine pre-heating.
Connectors
The charging power can be connected to the car in two ways (electric coupling). The first is a direct electrical connection known as conductive coupling. This might be as simple as a mains lead into a weatherproof socket through special high capacity cables with connectors to protect the user from high voltages. The second approach is known as inductive charging. A special 'paddle' is inserted into a slot on the car. The paddle is one winding of a transformer, while the other is built into the car. When the paddle is inserted it completes a magnetic circuit which provides power to the battery pack. In one inductive charging system, one winding is attached to the underside of the car, and the other stays on the floor of the garage.
The modern standard for plug-in vehicle charging is the SAE 1772 conductive connector.
The major advantage of the inductive approach is that there is no possibility of electrocution as there are no exposed conductors, although interlocks, special connectors and ground fault detectors can make conductive coupling nearly as safe. Inductive charging can also reduce vehicle weight, by moving more charging componentry offboard. Conductive coupling equipment is lower in cost and much more efficient due to a vastly lower component count. An inductive charging proponent from Toyota contended in 1998 that overall cost differences were minimal, while a conductive charging proponent from Ford contended that conductive charging was more cost efficient.
Recharging spots
Main article: Charging stationIn France, Électricité de France (EDF) and Toyota are installing recharging points for PHEVs on roads, streets and parking lots.. EDF is also partnering with Elektromotive, Ltd. to install 250 new charging points over six months from October 2007 in London and elsewhere in the UK. Recharging points also can be installed for specific uses, as in taxi stands. Better Place has begun in October 2007 and is working with Renault on development of exchangeable batteries (battery swapping).
Travel range before recharging and trailers
The range of a BEV depends on the number and type of batteries used, terrain, weather, and the performance of the driver. The weight and type of vehicle also have an impact just as they do on the mileage of traditional vehicles. Electric vehicle conversion performance depends on a number of factors including the battery chemistry:
- Lead-acid batteries are the most available and inexpensive. Such conversions generally have a range of 30 to 80 km (20 to 50 mi). Production EVs with lead-acid batteries are capable of up to 130 km (80 mi) per charge.
- NiMH batteries have higher energy density and may deliver up to 200 km (120 mi) of range.
- New lithium-ion battery-equipped EVs provide 320–480 km (200–300 mi) of range per charge. Lithium is also less expensive than nickel.
- Nickel-zinc battery are cheaper and lighter than Nickel-cadmium batteries. They are also cheaper (but not as light) as Lithium-Ion batteries.
Finding the economic balance of range versus performance, battery capacity versus weight, and battery type versus cost challenges every EV manufacturer.
With an AC system or Advanced DC systems regenerative braking can extend range by up to 50% under extreme traffic conditions without complete stopping. Otherwise, the range is extended by about 10 to 15% in city driving, and only negligibly in highway driving, depending upon terrain.
BEVs (including buses and trucks) can also use genset trailers and pusher trailers in order to extended their range when desired without the additional weight during normal short range use. Discharged baset trailers can be replaced by recharged ones in a route point. If rented then maintenance costs can be deferred to the agency.
Such BEVs can become Hybrid vehicles depending on the trailer and car types of energy and powertrain.
Swapping And Removing
Main article: Exchange statio
Saft selected for DOE funding for Li-ion battery factory of the future
Thomas Alcide, President of Saft America, Inc. said "This investment in America will allow Saft to build a state of the art factory for lithium ion batteries which will bring high ...
Saft America, LBD & RBS Distributors
SourceESB has found 20 Saft America, LBD & RBS distributors. SourceESB provides links to Saft America, LBD & RBS distributors and an electronic component part search with over 10 ...
NEMA - SAFT America, Inc.
SAFT America, Inc. ... Lithium Battery Division 313 Crescent Street Valdese, NC, 28690 (912) 247-2331
Battery and Electric Drive Components: List of Awardees
Saft America, Inc. $95.5 Jacksonville, FL Production of lithium-ion cells, modules, and battery packs for industrial and agricultural vehicles and defense application markets.
Saft America, Inc.: Private Company Information - BusinessWeek
Get Saft America, Inc. company research & investing information. Find executive management and the latest company developments.
Johnson Controls - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Saft America) ... the largest producer of private-label lead-acid automotive batteries in North America ...
Saft America, Industrial Battery Div Distributors
SourceESB has found 6 Saft America, Industrial Battery Div distributors. SourceESB provides links to Saft America, Industrial Battery Div distributors and an electronic component ...
Saft America requests funding to build Li-ion battery Factory of the ...
N° 25-09 Saft America requests funding to build Li-ion battery Factory of the Future Proposal submitted to Department of Energy to receive funding for the Factory of the Future in ...
SAFT America gets Finance approval - The Daily Record - Jacksonville ...
A Cecil Commerce Center project that will create 279 new jobs over the next seven years was given the go-ahead by the City Council Finance Committee Monday.
SAFT America
Military Type Battery Manufacturer: SAFT America SKU: BA5590U Price $136.95 Availability: Ships in 3-5 Days: 3.6 V Lithium 1/2 "aa" Battery Manufacturer: SAFT America SKU: LS-14250