Electric vehicles move closer to market

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Mechanical Engineering

OSTI ID:109840

O`Connor, L

This article reports that though battery technology is currently limiting the growth of EVs, the search for improvements is spurring innovative engineering developments. As battery makers, automakers, national laboratories, and others continue their search for a practical source of electric power that will make electric vehicles (EVs) more viable, engineers worldwide are making progress in other areas of EV development. Vector control, for example, enables better regulation of motor torque and speed; composite and aluminum parts reduce the vehicle`s weight, which in turn reduces the load on the motor and battery; and flywheel energy storage systems, supercapacitors, regenerative brake systems, and hybrid/electric drive trains increase range and acceleration. Despite efforts to develop an electric vehicle from the ground up, most of the early EVs to be sold in the United States will likely be converted from gasoline-powered vehicles. Chrysler Corp., for example, is expected to sell electric versions of its minivans and build them on the same assembly line as its gasoline-powered vehicles to reduce costs. The pace of engineering development in this field is fast and furious. Indeed, it is virtually impossible to monitor all emerging EV technology. To meet their quotas, the major automakers may even consider buying credits from smaller, innovative EV manufacturers. But whatever stopgap measures vehicle makers take, technology development will be the driving force behind long-term EV growth.

• OSTI ID: 109840
• Journal Information: Mechanical Engineering, Journal Name: Mechanical Engineering Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 117; ISSN MEENAH; ISSN 0025-6501
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
COMMERCIALIZATION
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
WEIGHT