THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE

The greatest limitation to the impact of the electric vehicle on transportation remains the battery. Current lead-acid batteries have a shorter range and are considered heavy and bulky. Figures developed by TRW, Inc. estimate that a battery weight equal to half of the total vehicle weight is needed to provide unsonable urban driving cycles using current lead-acid batteries. The nickel-zinc batteries would allow a vehicle to provide an acceptable urban driving range with a battery weight of any 20%. The nickel-iron battery, also under consideration, has a longer potential service life, but a specific energy no greater than that of lead-acid cells. The lithium sulfide battery developed by Argonne Laboratories is considered to be a stronger possibility than the other prototypes. It would provide a range of up to 200 mi. between re-charges. However, its high operating temperatures creates both sealing and containment problems. The lead-acid, the nickel-zinc, and the nickel-iron batteries are thought to provide the range required to make the electric car a viable second car for multi-car households. The use of electric vehicles as light commercial vehicles (taxis and buses) in the city of London, have proven to be effective. Electronic solid-state choppers for controlling speed and regenerative braking are discussed, as well as the question of energy conservation and passenger safety.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chilton Company, Incorporated

  One Chilton Way
  Philadelphia, PA  United States  19089
• Authors:
  • Fosdick, R J
• Publication Date: 1977-3-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 27-34
• Serial:
  • CHILTON'S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES
  • Volume: 156
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: General Motors Corporation

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Braking; Commercial vehicles; Distance; Electric automobiles; Electric batteries; Energy; Lead (Metal); Lithium; Nickel; Performance tests; Safety; Speed control; Weight; Zinc
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149861
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-020 605
• Files: HSL, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1983 12:00AM