tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800828841873738105.post4894955775196640855..comments2023-07-02T06:58:33.737-05:00Comments on WebberEnergyBlog: PHEV and Li-ion Batteries: Environmental Consequences of Mass ProductionMichael E. Webber, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12416546342365493633noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800828841873738105.post-20753675263227591402009-02-22T23:43:00.000-06:002009-02-22T23:43:00.000-06:00This is a good article that points out a very impo...This is a good article that points out a very important issue. Before we put all of eggs in one basket (in terms of policy decisions, research and development, etc.) we should take steps to ensure that our future plans are, in fact, sustainable.<BR/> <BR/>I think that PHEVs and EVs can and should play a large role in our future. I think the technical issues with batteries could be greatly reduced with increased research and development. However, as the blog pointed out, concerns regarding the availability of the batteries, environmental impacts associated with mining the lithium, and potential political issues are going to be more difficult to handle. <BR/><BR/>My question then, is do we have other options? If our current gas-guzzlers are too dirty and expensive to drive and our future hope for battery-operated vehicles are dashed, what can we turn to? (In terms of personal transportation—mass transit is an obvious answer, but that is a topic unto itself).<BR/><BR/>A quick Google search turned up a couple interesting options. An article by Joseph Ogando in Design News (http://www.designnews.com/article/7232-Hydraulic_Hybrid_Cars_No_Batteries_Required.php) explained the concept of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle. These cars and trucks are similar to battery-powered hybrids with one major difference—no battery. Instead, energy is stored in high-pressure hydraulic accumulators. The article noted that these vehicles could double gas mileage, reduce emissions by 50% and that they would actually get better gas mileage in the city than on the highway. <BR/><BR/>This technology is currently being tested in big vehicles (like UPS and FedEx trucks). More information can be found on the EPA’s website (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/technology/420f06043.htm).<BR/><BR/>Another article from Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4252623.html) discussed the idea of replacing lithium-ion batteries with ultracapcitors. Researchers at MIT are working to find ways to do just that. Although the technology is years away from mass production, it holds promise.Windyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16223443099004357570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7800828841873738105.post-66441412150184855102009-02-22T12:34:00.000-06:002009-02-22T12:34:00.000-06:00So many people believe that PHEV is such a good id...So many people believe that PHEV is such a good idea, still why is it that, we dont see so many of them ? It is said that, we had an EHV program in this country in 1976, its been 31 years since we were aware of this technology, then what are the major roadblocks in getting the EHV on the streets. Its the battery and their associated high costs. At times, battery costs exceed the the cost of the car itself. In case of Li-ion there are a few technical problems. Li-ion batteries are high on energy but low on power, it means that Li-ion are unable to provide huge bursts of energy in short time (power) resulting in lower acceleration. Their life spans are short. For a car a battery life span of atleast 8-10 years is expected, while they have a lifespan of 2-3 years. There are safety issues too with Li-ion batteries. Li-ion battery disposal is another issue. Keeping all this in mind, we have to improve our technology in battery production and move on from Li-ion to more advanced battery technology to address the technical and cost problems associated with Li-ion batteries.Mithunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11971093339773893475noreply@blogger.com