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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Evaluation of electric vehicle battery systems through in-vehicle testing: Fifth annual report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6718441
;  [1]
  1. Electrotek Concepts, Inc., Chattanooga, TN (USA)

This fifth annual summary report documents the tests performed from October 1988 through September 1989 in EPRI's ongoing project to evaluate and compare the performance of near-term electric vehicle traction battery packs in a real-world operating environment. The batteries are evaluated in electric vehicles to the end of life. Of major significance in this reporting period is the attainment of over 14,000 vehicle miles on each of two Chloride Electric Vehicle Systems (CEVS) 3ET205 lead-acid battery packs, and over 54,000 equivalent vehicle miles on the continued cycling of ten Eagle-Picher Industries (EPI) NIF270 nickel-iron modules. Also, an extensive analysis of range test data on vehicles equipped with Chloride EV5T lead-acid batteries is included. Testing includes initial acceptance testing of battery components and systems, daily in-vehicle operation of the batteries, monthly in-vehicle driving range tests, and periodic static (constant current) discharge tests under computer control. Battery performance data is typically presented on the basis of calculated specific energy output on a controlled discharge test versus accumulated vehicle/battery miles. Performance is also evaluated on the results of vehicle driving range tests over fixed operating cycles such as the SAE J227a C'' cycle or at 35 mph constant speed. A multiple linear regression analysis of the range test data on Chloride EV5T lead-acid battery packs in Griffon Vans indicates that on the average the C'' cycle range test has about 24 miles less range than the 35 mph constant speed range test. Also, this regression analysis shows that the achievable ranges are reduced about 2.7 miles for each 10{degree}F reduction in ambient temperature and about 5.7 miles for each 10{degree}F reduction in average battery temperature. 40 figs., 18 tabs.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); Electrotek Concepts, Inc., Chattanooga, TN (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
EPRI
OSTI ID:
6718441
Report Number(s):
EPRI-CU-6888
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English