Big car companies originally built all electric cars. There were tried in California in 1999 (see the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?“). But battery technology wasn’t yet ready. Lead acid batteries are too heavy. Lithium ion batteries were and are still too expensive. So big car companies have moved to hybrid cars (electric + batteries + gas powered engine). The disadvantage of hybrids is the high cost, high complexity and high number of parts.
Now we have some small car companies again producing all electric cars. Notable companies include Tesla Motors and the ZENN Motor Company.
Tesla sells their flashy and expensive Roadster for $100,000. The 2009 ZENN from Canada sells their 2009 model for between $16,000 and $20,000. Electric cars have almost arrived. They are only missing one thing… a better battery.
ZENN Motor company invested in and Lockheed Martin signed a marketing deal with a little known and secretive company from Texas, EEStor Inc. This company makes capacitive storage devices that have the potential to replace batteries. According to the claims, they would be lighter than Lithium ion, cost the same as lead acid, recharge in minutes, and last forever. EEStor has a patent for their invention. And the first devices from a production line are scheduled to be delievered by the end of 2009. We will see if the claims pan out.
For the physcists and electrical engineers out there, here is a link to an in depth interview: Transcript of Weir June 2009 Conference Call.
Best blog for the latest info & gossip: http://bariumtitanate.blogspot.com/
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