One of the features in the new Energy Quarterly (EQ) section in the September 2010 issue of the MRS Bulletin is Energy Sector Analysis. The focus of this feature in the current EQ is improved battery technologies for use in vehicles primarily powered by electricity rather than gasoline. Currently, electric vehicles are having their day in the sun, thanks in part to major improvements in battery technology.
Many countries are looking toward electric vehicles for the benefits they offer in terms of energy security and the environment. Cutting the demand for gasoline would help reduce dependence on imported oil, shifting that demand to domestic electricity production. Whether electric vehicles will help reduce greenhouse gases depends on where their electric power comes from—fossil fuels or renewable sources—a mix that varies from one country to another.The article by Corinna Wu discusses what it would take to get widespread adoption of plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars. For consumers, battery-powered cars need to have a range long enough to accommodate the average commute, reasonable recharging time, and affordable cost. Continued improvements in battery technology, as well as development of an infrastructure of recharging stations, are crucial to satisfy all these demands.
Various materials aspects are covered including Ni-metal hydride and Li ion batteries, as well as various anode, cathode and electrolyte materials. As Wu concludes towards the end of the article, “Soon, more and more drivers will be “filling up” with electrons instead of petroleum.”
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Gopal R. Rao, Ph.D.
Web Science
Editor
Materials Research Society
(MRS)
Electric vehicles are just creeping into the public at price points that are affordable enough for those who want them. I don't know if electric cars are going to be as widespread as other renewable sources of energy such as solar panels. I wonder if they have discovered a way to have a solar panel to power the electric cars? I know that many businesses have found affordable solar panels as a viable solution for electricity consumption.
Posted by: Affordable Solar | August 24, 2012 at 01:11 PM
The battery-powered cars are on the top of the car industry. But we should take into account the fact electrical vehicle batteries are pretty toxic and dangerous! It can impact not only on the enviroment but on the man's health!
Posted by: discount viagra | February 13, 2012 at 02:12 AM
The electric car is still high on the car industry's agenda. Most car manufacturers tend to agree that, within three to five years, electric cars will have captured market share, or at least a niche.
Posted by: cell phone tracker | February 03, 2012 at 08:47 AM
Absolutely! The production of most electrical vehicle batteries is extremely toxic. If we're going to make a huge impact on the environment in a long term way we'll need to improve the process by which they're made.
Posted by: Clint Rowley | November 28, 2011 at 05:56 PM
It is absolutely vital that the capacity of the battery can be improved. People are very conscious now about pollution and global warming.Governments should promote more the use of green cars.
Posted by: Robert (international car transport) | February 20, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Keep the electric engine clean and inspect the parts regularly. You will likely need to replace the brushes and springs along the way. It is fairly inexpensive to do and all the parts can be found at any hobby or RC car store.
Posted by: Dustcarts | February 08, 2011 at 09:07 PM
I couldn't agree more! The improvement of the batteries in electric vehicles is the future of greene technology! I think everything is possible as long as we give it our best shot!
Posted by: Truck Rental | October 18, 2010 at 02:41 AM