Lithium-ion battery cells made with nanostructured lithium titanate electrode materials from Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., Reno, Nev., exceed hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) power requirements of the FreedomCAR program, as well those of major U.S. automakers.
Lithium-ion battery cells made with nanostructured lithium titanate electrode materials from Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., Reno, Nev., exceed hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) power requirements of the FreedomCAR program, as well those of major U.S. automakers. Battery cells incorporating the technology show a usable state-of-charge range twice that of conventional nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries in HEVs. The cells are capable of 9,000 charge/discharge cycles and recharging takes just 3 min. Traditional lithium-ion batteries have a cycle life of 300 to 500 recharges and discharges. These results suggest a lithiumion battery pack could be half the size of those currently being tested for HEV applications.
Sanyo, Toyota, GM, and Ford all agree lithium-ion batteries are the technology of choice for HEVs. Battery-testing programs for HEVs and electric vehicles are underway. Prototype cells made with the technology are in the works.
FreedomCAR is an industry/government research initiative aimed at freeing the nation's personal transportation system from petroleum dependence and from harmful vehicle emissions, without sacrificing freedom of mobility and freedom of vehicle choice.
