The battery is always the sticking point in most electric car manufacturing. Toshiba, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen are now working together to create a car battery that can stand up to most driving. The intention is that these Toshiba electric car batteries will help electric cars go farther, charge faster and be more economical.
Batteries and their troubles
Ever since the electric cars have been around, the battery has been in question. An electric car relies on batteries for all of its power, and those batteries are notoriously heavy, short-lived and take a long time to charge. This was solved by the battery-gas hybrid. Within the push to try and have all-electric autos, however, the race to develop better batteries is in full swing.
Electric car batteries and their major players
Tesla motors is the big name in electric automobiles – and this is partially due to its battery technology. Tesla’s electric roadster that costs $109,000 has a 300 mile range, but the high price tag is definitely a barrier. The Nissan electric Leaf is only $25,000, but the battery lasts for about 100 miles. Toshiba and Mitsubishi have partnered up to create a SCiB — Super Charge ion Battery — that can be long-lasting and inexpensive. Currently, Panasonic supplies batteries to Honda and Ford, while Hitachi supplies General Motors and NEC supplies Nissan.
Toshiba and their battery experience
The Toshiba push to create an electric car battery fits to the technology the business has long been developing. Toshiba makes motors for machinery, elevators, and bullet train. By combining its SCiB battery technology with its engine know-how, the company is going to be building motors for a Ford hybrid in the next few years. Toshiba is also partnering with Mitsubishi to launch a Peugeot/Mitsubishi/Toshiba electric automobile in Europe. Additionally, Toshiba is partnering with Volkswagen to create an all-electric car.
Battery life is getting better and electric vehicle technology is improving. This is good for the zero emissions vehicle market.
