BATTERIES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The importance of research to improve the performance of electric vehicle power sources, particularly with respect to service life, is emphasized. Effective power sources are a necessity if electric vehicles are to receive general acceptance. The lead-acid battery can meet the requirements of commercial city driving. NERDDC Project 79/9317 is designed to simulate, in the laboratory, the duty cycle of a vehicle of modern design operating in an Australian urban environment and to determine the effects of a number of operational parameters on the nature of the processes which limit the capacity and cycle life of lead- acid batteries. Such information is essential if electric vehicle and battery design are to proceed along mutually compatible lines. Batteries with energy density higher than that of lead-acid are required for electric vehicles to make a major impact on the private car market. NERDDC Project 78/2612 is designed to develop advanced batteries with high energy density. Current progress of the research into lithium-organic and Ni/Zn systems is reviewed. It is pointed out that the concepts developed by CSIRO for battery research could form the basis of an Australian battery test facility. (Author/TRRL)