Battery technology could impede electric car uptake

The biggest factor hindering the uptake of electric cars could be the limitations of battery technology, according to one expert. Although electric cars could bring about significant benefits for the environment and lead to fewer car insurance claims, the limited range, heaviness and expense of batteries could deter drivers from switching to electric models.

Writing for the Guardian, Dickson Ross highlighted the lagging development of battery technology, which has improved performance by a mere factor of six over the last century - compared to the electronics industry as a whole, which has increased performance by 10,000 per cent in the past 35 years.

"This imbalance has important implications for the electric car," Mr Ross explained. "Many drivers won't consider replacing their conventional petrol-powered car with an electric model until the differences in price and performance narrow dramatically.

"Batteries have to go a lot further - literally - before they can catch up with the combustion engine and their limitations are forcing motor manufacturers into planning and making electric cars with the same range as vehicles made in 1910."

The technology expert identified three key problems that manufacturers will need to overcome before batteries can become a more viable means of powering vehicles. These include range calculations - which need to be made more accurate - and charging time. Mr Ross also observed that the manufacture of a new electric car fleet could actually contribute more CO2 to the environment than it conserves, at least over the next decade.

The European Union is still eager to promote greater use of electric cars as a means to combat climate change, however, and recently proposed standardised safety rules for electric vehicles to keep drivers safe on the roads. With standards for electric cars in place, drivers could also enjoy reduced car insurance quotes.

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:24:00 GMT