Battery limitations 'could affect electric vehicles'

Date: 17/6/2010

Limitations affecting battery development could limit the distance that electric cars could travel and rapid recharging could reduce battery life to around two years, a new study from the Institution of Engineering and Technology has found.

The research, conducted for the institution's E&T magazine, raises questions over whether promoting the development of battery-powered vehicles is an effective way to increase sustainable transport practices.

It suggests that other methods, such as the development of high-efficiency diesel engines and hybrid cars, may be more cost effective.

The article claims there are at least three fundamental problems with battery technology that will prove difficult to overcome and therefore efforts may be better directed towards improving the efficiency of other engine types.

"While we believe electric cars overall are a good idea, particularly for short-range commutes, there's a need for more honesty on whether they can really be the solution to our transport and environmental-needs," said Editor in Chief of E&T magazine Dickon Ross.

Problems include the shortened life of batteries from rapid recharging and a lack of ability to get levels of power to match traditional engines.

Posted by Nick Anderson