Please listen Congress - Detroit requests gov. help on hybrid batteries
When the movie Who killed the electric car showed experts whom claimed the technology for electric cars was available in the days of NiMH batteries, I had to laugh - hysterically. Many fans of plug-in hybrids seem to believe the same idea. Yet, speak with experts at GM, hybrid leader Toyota, or fuel efficiency leader Honda and they all eventually hit the same point: maintaining the sweetspot.
Sure automakers can make plug-in hybrids today, but maintaining the sweetspot with today's lithium-ion batteries isn't easy. In fact, to do so in a cost effective way simply isn't possible. Would you a buy a car that is going to cost an extra $4000 every 4 years to replace your batteries? In reality, that's a strong possibility. In addition, even if next generation batteries exist, feasibility studies still have to be carried out, and that takes years - the insurance industry demands it.
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Sure automakers can make plug-in hybrids today, but maintaining the sweetspot with today's lithium-ion batteries isn't easy. In fact, to do so in a cost effective way simply isn't possible. Would you a buy a car that is going to cost an extra $4000 every 4 years to replace your batteries? In reality, that's a strong possibility. In addition, even if next generation batteries exist, feasibility studies still have to be carried out, and that takes years - the insurance industry demands it.
(Full Story)
Labels: electric cars, lithium battery, plug-in hybrid vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
7:10 AM
2 Comments:
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I want nothing more than a plug-in hybrid vehicle right now, but mass-produced plug-in hybrids are not yet a reality. This isn't GM's fault. It isn't Detroit's fault. It isn't any automakers fault. It is reality. Lest we forget, just a few months ago, tiny lithium batteries in notebook computers were exploding. Could automakers risk such an event? There are still many kinks to work out, and we should be working these kinks out as fast as possible - that is blatantly true.
As a result, lithium-ion battery research and development is extremely, vitally important and the Big 3 are now seeking government help. I say this help is desperately needed. We need to help American battery makers help develop and perfect these next generation batteries. For if next generation lithium-ion batteries can be perfected, they will lead an automotive revolution.
If American automakers are to survive into the future, then their suppliers must be at the forefront of this revolutionary technology. This should be, better be, a no-brainer for Congress.
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