I wonder what the difference in weight will be and if L/A batteries can be charged/discharged at the same rate as NiMh and Lion. The one factor to also consider is lifetime, they usually last only 4-5 years even with perfect maintenance.
the article tries to addresses the weight question, less per kW than NiMH, but that is a power measurement rather than the kWh. If EPS can produce a replacement for the NiMh pack in the Prius it might be interesting, especially for a Chinese manufacturer.
Thanks for the article. The 1900w/kg that Dhar claims to have achieved for lead-acid is a power density spec rather than an energy density spec. Power density is important in BEVs and HEVs, but it's energy density that is the main limiting factor for range. Also, lead-acid batteries last longest when kept fully charged. Their lifespan diminishes rapidly with deep discharges--much more so than NiMH or Lithium-Ion. That makes lead-acid ideal for starting an ICE, but not so good for hybrid or BEV use.
I just think of all the acid gunk I invariably see on the 12V connectors of the past cars I've owned and I shudder at the idea of having a lead acid battery in the passenger area. Which gets me into thinking, the 12V on my new Prius v is also at the passenger area. Is that battery lead acid? I would really hate to start seeing the “acid dust” an corrosion inside the passenger area of my v!!! I hadn’t thought of this before now.
That is pretty much the same thing I was thinking. Deep cycle batteries for Electric trolling motors are only good for a couple seasons, then they start to lose capacity. They use Lead-acid for UPS units, and they are only good for a couple years, and dont get heavily cycled either. They would most likely be sealed units like those used in Computer UPS units, or what I use in my RC flight boxes for starters. The connections on those never corrode since the unit is sealed up very tight since most of them are upside down in the case. Also most car batteries are sealed up tight now too, usually any corrosion you see if from dissimilar metal contact, steel against lead against copper will cause the corrosion.
More on the lead acid batteries trends below. The key concept is that the "micro-hybrid" car population, although not yet common, is projected to grow extremely rapidly. The micro-hybrids include on/off engines like Prius and in some cases regenerative braking. How The Micro-hybrid Revolution Will Radically Change The Battery Market | Alternative Energy Stocks re: Micro-Hybrids:
Micro-hybrid shouldn't be applied, since there is no electric power moving those vehicles. Start-stop is the most accurate term... But will time change that?...
I think you meant "GM Belt Assisted (BAS)" not "Prius. Not to worry, I often make typos that way too. Bob Wilson
