I would concur about pure EVs. I think the real game, and the direction the automakers want to take, is Hybrid EVs. Batteries are an essential component of this.
Additionally, in the transition to such hybrids, look for radical changes in the way the ancillary systems are configured. With a more compact battery, reliable for 1000 deep discharge cycles (which Valence is getting with their current production cells, acc. to both Lev and the Senior VP of R+D, Lundquist, at the shareholders meeting), many of the hydraulic and mechanical systems can be redesigned to be electrically-based. This includes the cooling system, air conditioning system, power steering, power brakes, etc. The resulting weight reduction (no hoses or fluids or pumps) results in better gas mileage. Having less load on the engine (through various drive belts) means that the engine can be smaller and can be operated more efficiently at various RPM.
Both of these factors enable internal combustion engine systems to achieve higher gas mileage and lower pollution emissions, so that EPA standards can be met for many more years to come. And it allows the infrastructure dedicated to the internal combustion engine to stay in the game longer. It's in the auto and petroleum industries' own best interests to pursue this vigorously.
To read more about these systems, go to:
auto.com
("Electricity to take on bigger role in autos : 42-volt systems offer more power for automated features," May 20, 1999, BY WILLIAM DIEM, SPECIAL TO THE DETROIT FREE PRESS) |
