Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : The Electric Car, or MPG "what me worry?" -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John Koligman who wrote (345)	9/17/2008 10:26:30 PM
From: Eric	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 17575

Well early lithium cells used in laptops were not used properly. Those cells were sensitive to temperature and as you know in most earlier laptops up until recently they were literally bathed in heat. The other day I was playing with a friends Mac laptop and I could barely hold the bottom of the thing. Talk about cooking the electronics! I can't think of a more abusive environment for electronics than heat. A123's cells are a generation ahead of the latest cells used in even the current state of the art laptops. The cells in the Volt are going to work very hard compared to the ones in the Tesla Roadster. Tesla's current battery pack design should last about ten calender years and 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Even then the battery should retain about 80% of its original capacity. A123's cells should last much longer and tolerate much more abuse. Tesla did look at their cells but had to make a decision about 3 years ago to begin production. When the cells wear out in about ten years I'll probably put in cells that last twice as long calender wise and have five times the capacity. How much is gas going to cost in ten years? I don't think the answer will be nice. regards, Eric P.S. I've tried out A123's cells in a cordless power tool and it's impressive. The batteries stayed cool discharging and during rapid recharging. NiCads and current Lithium cells can't do that!