A significant reduction in the UK's carbon dioxide emissions could be achieved by increased consumer uptake of zero emission electric vehicles (EVs). These are ideal for urban driving as their range (80-110 miles on a single charge) easily covers most likely journeys. However, hurdles remain to widespread acceptance of passenger EVs; these include cost, limited availability and the need to balance range and performance with functionality. The cell chemistries currently available limit the scope of application to larger commercial vehicles due to their energy density, weight, size and cost.
This project aims to develop an innovative high energy density battery system for an electric small city car. Using new cell chemistries that offer higher energy density we will produce a lighter and smaller and therefore more efficient battery with faster charging and a higher range than those currently available. This will include a new battery management system (BMS) with increased functionality, reliability and battery pack safety but reduced size, weight and cost.
Although battery pack unit costs are likely to remain similar to current technology the benefits of the newer technology from improved performance, functionality and range will be significant. These factors in turn will enhance the desirability of low carbon EVs, improving consumer acceptance of such platforms and ultimately enhancing their mass market appeal. We believe that the resulting battery and its associated key technologies will therefore be in significant demand in the UK and in international markets.