IBM Battery 500 Project Aims for 500 Mile Range EVs – Video
Limited range is one of the biggest current deterrents to owning an electric vehicle, but technology heavyweight IBM is hoping to help change that.
In 2009, IBM researchers set out to develop lithium-air battery technology that would allow an electric vehicle to have a range of around 500 miles on a single charge, making them more comparable to a gas-burning car. The idea is that a lithium-air battery would borrow oxygen from the air as a vehicle is being driven, creating an air-breathing battery.
Not only does this result in a lighter battery, but one with high energy density that removes the use of heavy metal oxides. The project is now known as the Battery 500 Project and IBM announced two new partners to help make it all a reality. Scientists from Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei and electrolyte lithium-ion battery maker, Central Glass, will now join IBM researchers in the initiative. With the new minds at work, the company hopes to have a working prototype by the end of next year.
The only major question now is whether or not IBM can make the technology affordable, another reason why EVs demand a premium, though that could be changing.
[Source: CNet]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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