Car Batteries: Acid-Lead vs. Lithium Ion
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Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development, recently discussed different types of batteries and the forecast for each during a round table interview. Which is better? What is more cost-efficient? Let’s start by defining the two types of batteries in question.
Lithium Ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery in which a lithium ion moves between the anode and cathode. The lithium ion moves from the anode to the cathode during discharge and from the cathode to the anode when charging. Lithium ion batteries are commonly used in consumer electronics
Lead-Acid batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery. Despite having the second lowest energy-to-weight ratio and a correspondingly low energy-to-volume ratio, their ability to supply high surge currents means that the cells maintain a relatively large power-to-weight ratio. These features, along with their low cost, make them attractive for use in cars, to provide the high current required by automobile starter motors.
Bob stated that 18 months ago when GM announced the new Volt, there were many nay-sayers. Those people said that GM were crazy, and said that using Lithium Ion would never work. Yet, these same people and companies have announced that they are now working on the very same things.
All the technology for the car is here today, except for the battery pack. It will use lithium-ion (li-ion) technology. Current hybrids use nickel-metal hydride (NiMh), which carry much less energy per unit weight. The li-ion cell technology exists but putting it into tested and safe packs is what will take some time. There are companies working with GM and trying to get these Li-ion batteries and their packs ready for automotive use.
As the technology proliferates across the industry, the price will come down. How many labor hours do you think goes into making just one of these kinds of batteries? I bet you’re surprised to find out that the entire process is so automated, it only take four minutes’ worth of ‘man labor’ in order to create each one.
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6 Comments
The Daily Five: Saturday, 21 June, 2008 | EcoTech Daily
June 21st, 2008
at 2:32am
[...] Car Batteries — Acid-Lead vs. Lithium Ion: General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says that while he wishes that GM could enjoy exclusivity in the lithium ion battery powered automotive market, competition from other companies will eventually work to lower everyone’s costs. Lutz discusses GM’s decision to be an early adopter of lithium ion technology in a video posted by tech blogger Chris Pirillo. The same companies which blasted GM for choosing an unproven technology 18 months ago, says Lutz, are now racing to eneter the market themselves. (Chris Pirillo) [...]
Revelations From An Unwashed Brain
June 21st, 2008
at 7:07am
Chris Pirillo GM Didn’t Kill It: The Future of the Electric CarCar Batteries: Acid-Lead vs. Lithium IonGas Tax: Have Americans been Spoiled? The Car Community Interviews: Bob Lutz of General Motors Free Exchange Monitor Tool
Kevin Turner
June 21st, 2008
at 9:33pm
Bob had some very good points. In a way I am a fan. I also like his opinions on Gas Tax!
Thomas J. Funke
June 22nd, 2008
at 5:14am
The only problem I have with GM producing the Volt electric car is will it be dependable. Every day I watch Chevrolet SUV’s, and trucks with ONE RUNNING LIGHT OUT !
Now what does this tell you about GM quality control ? Until they fix this glaring problem, I find it hard to believe that the american consumer will trust a GM electric car.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Funke
The Driving Elf
June 22nd, 2008
at 11:14am
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CarDomain Car Blog
June 23rd, 2008
at 11:04pm
it right here at 4:10 he says, “just below forty.” Phew. There are four more videos, each ten minutes long (I didn’t know you could do that with YouTube–I guess Chris knows some kind of trick). Bob Lutz on the Future of Green Cars and Fuel Econom.Car Batteries: Acid-Lead vs. Lithium Ion. Gas Tax: Have Americans been Spoiled? The Car Community Interviews: Bob Lutz of General Motors.