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 autos go farther, charge faster and be more economical.
The biggest problem with batteries
Ever since electric cars are on the drawing board, the battery has been the big question. An electric car relies on batteries for power, and those batteries are notoriously heavy, short-lived and take a long time to charge. The Toyota Prius solved this problem by making a battery-gas hybrid. In the push for all-electric autos, nevertheless, the race to develop better batteries is in full swing.
Major players in electric car batteries
Tesla motors is at the moment 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 only lasts for about 100 miles. Toshiba and Mitsubishi have partnered up to create a SCiB – which is a Super Charge ion Battery — that could be long-lasting and relatively inexpensive. Presently, Panasonic supplies batteries to both Honda and Ford, while Hitachi supplies General Motors and NEC supplies Nissan.
Toshiba’s battery experience
The Toshiba push to create an electric car battery fits right to the technology the business develops. Already, Toshiba develops and sells motors for bullet trains, machinery and elevators. By combining its SCiB battery technology with its engine information, the business is going to be building motors for a Ford hybrid within the next few years. Toshiba is partnering with Mitsubishi to make a Peugeot/Mitsubishi/Toshiba electric automobile in Europe. Additionally, Toshiba is partnering with Volkswagen to create an all-electric vehicle.
Battery life is getting better and electric car technology is improving. All around, good things for the zero or near-zero emissions vehicle market.
