Related Sections: Future Tech Green Tech Vehicles
Chevy Volt battery pack could hit a snag
GM's Chevy Volt electric car is said to be on track for its late 2010 delivery date, but there might be a problem or two with the batteries. The nearly 300 lithium ion batteries will be strapped together in a tight group between the seats, and while GM engineers are confident the individual batteries work, they're not sure how long they'll last or if they'll overheat when they work together in a pack.
GM has also not decided if the batteries will be made in the U.S., or in Asia, where battery tech is more advanced, said GM chief Rick Wagoner in Washington yesterday. He was visiting the nation's capitol, seeking $25 billion in loans from the U.S. government to help his company build advanced-tech vehicles (might as well get while the getting's good, eh Rick?).
Anyway, will drivers in hot climates such as Arizona be able to buy a Volt? GM will insulate and cool the batteries, but how much power will that drain? The Volt's battery pack is a huge risk for GM, and might push the car's price to $40K and beyond. And it's not ready yet. Nevertheless, we're rooting for you, GM!
Technology Review, and The Washington Post
By geekdude at 1:08 PM ON 09/18/08
Maybe GM should buy a Tesla Roadster and see how those guys are making the batteries work.
By Flow at 2:10 PM ON 09/18/08
It looks like the vehicle is powered by an array of Red Bull tall boys.
By Biker45 at 2:17 PM ON 09/18/08
This article might have had some credibility 8 months ago,before GM began batery testing. Get with the program and keep up. There are no "heat issues" with the battery pack(s) (there are two differnet packs and only one contains the 300 cells mentioned. The packs have been tested in 110 degree heat, etc. JEEEZ!
By MarvK at 2:24 PM ON 09/18/08
Where'd you get this bogus picture? It doesn't even come close to looking like a Volt battery pack. Plus, Bob Lutz said each cell is about the size of a CD-ROM and is flat. Did you guys just dream up this image?
By CJW at 2:46 PM ON 09/18/08
Biker45, the 110º heat still means that for people in the SouthWest, taking the bus is the only way to get around in July and August. Interior temperatures of automobiles routinely reach temps of 140º in the sun. The heat radiating out of the asphalt doesn't help matters. At these temps, the chemistry of the batteries becomes permanently damaged. Charging will generate lots of heat too.
I'll be shocked if this car costs less than $40k and has an affordable TCO. My prediction is that it'll wind up being a mechanical nightmare and a lesson in how not to save money.
Also, Charlie, I don't know if battery tech is more advanced in Asia, or if it's just that environmental laws are less constricting on the industry.
By Charlie White at 2:51 PM ON 09/18/08
@Biker45 and @Marvk: Follow the links, and you'll find the details. The pic is from http://www.greencar.com/features/chevy_volt/
By Addertooth at 1:16 AM ON 09/21/08
Battery problems are not surprising. The batteries are the most primitive part of any electric car design. CJW is absolutely right on the money about car interior and exterior temperatures, and heat does greaty accelerate aging of any type of battery. Lithium batteries already have other challengers appearing on the horizon, and I am rooting for them. Keep in mind if Hydrogen fuel cells continue to improve, they may become a replacement for the venerable battery. Right now vendors are using batteries, they are currently the most viable choice. However, the strides they are making in brushless motor control, even with the battery limitation shows great promise.
By bubbles at 9:38 AM ON 10/27/08
LOL!! MAKE ME LAF I'M DESPR8!!
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
bubbles:
LOL!! MAKE ME LAF I'M DESPR8!!...More »