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500 Miles on just a 5-Minute Recharge?

Replacing batteries in electric and hybrid electric vehicles is not a new idea. At one point, BMW was determined to use ultra-capacitors in its hybrids, rather than batteries. In the absence of chemical reactions, the electricity storage is much more efficient than batteries. Apparently, BMW abandoned that in their alliance with GM and DCX on their hybrid system. However, since BMW hasn't announced their own hybrids, we don't exactly know yet. Also, I believe it allows greater maximum output from a car, if one is so inclined to let a few/couple hundred kilowatts go to the electric motors.

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The problem is the ultra capacitors weren't quite ultra enough yet. I'm no capacities of capacitors expert, but you are limited by size/surface area in the capacitor and 'they' appeared 500 miles is a substantial claim. This needs to be for a specific car, otherwise it's not a very specific claim. And, if such a vehicle exists, it's best to be sure it's not a lightweight go-kart like the Elise (or the new Tesla which is an Elise). Both cars tend to not fit typical automotive tastes.

There is still potential to make more effective capacitors. I believe MIT professors, students, etc. of some sort create a carbon, nano-fiber, fuzzy capacitor. It multiplies many times the surface area inside a capacitor. Specifically, it is where the charge is built. The charge-holding surface has gajillions of those little fibers. It sounded like a hilariously, expensive proposition. However, perhaps it's not as expensive as it seems to be. Possibly, it inspires others to find less expensive and similar ways to make significant advances in the field of ultra-capacitors.

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At least, companies making outrageous claims (like this) bring awareness. This is to the different methodologies and technologies. It includes capacitors vs. batteries. It will be interested to see when (or if) someone develops a capacitor-driven car, whether these guys, or BMW, or whomever.

posted by Don Marchand @ 5:55 PM