Longer lasting batteries' for electric cars

October 15, 2009

Electric cars could have longer-lasting batteries take no longer to refuel than petrol or diesel vehicles following a breakthrough in liquid-electrolyte technology by German scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT).

Redox batteries generate power using two fluid electrolytes and now boast a capacity approaching that of the lithium-ion technology used in cutting-edge electric vehicles like the Tesla Roadster sports car.

Quickest way of recharging electric cars

It takes up to 8 hours to charge today’s electric cars from a standard household socket, which is bound to seem 7 hours and 57 minutes longer than necessary to motorists used to quickly filing their car from a petrol pump.

Car designers have touted the idea of replaceable battery packs that when depleted could be swapped at refuelling stops, but there is little likelihood that all manufacturers would agree on a standard-size battery.

Filling an electric car from a pump has the advantage of being quick and being no different to the way drivers currently refuel.

Electric car fuel would be recycled

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Crucially, the redox flow batteries can be recharged at a refuelling station in as little time as it takes to fill the tank of a conventional car.”

The discharged electrolyte is pumped out and replaced with recharged fluid. The discarded electrolyte can then be recharged by the refuelling station.

The ETA is Car Breakdown Company of the Year 2009. It is one of the few companies to provide a specialist breakdown and warranty service for electric vehicles Call 0800 212 810 for further details.

Get an instant quote for breakdown cover

Information correct at time of publication.

Leave us a comment

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Comments
--
Name
2 days ago

Reply
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Name
2 days ago

Reply
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Cycle Insurance Quick Quote
Start now
ETA logo
30% OFF
standard prices
E-bike Insurance Quick Quote
Start now
ETA logo
European Breakdown Cover
Start now
ETA logo
Breakdown Cover
Start now
ETA logo
Mobility Scooter Insurance Quick Quote
Start now
ETA logo
Get more content like this, exclusive discounts, and weekly giveaways - straight to your inbox
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Get more content like this, exclusive discounts, and weekly giveaways - straight to your inbox
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.