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Hybrid Battery Approach Viable?
By Shig on 10/30/2009 10:56:28 AM , Rating: 2
A combination of these new batteries with lithium ion could be interesting. For example, only the zinc-air batteries get turned on past a certain distance, then for short distances the lithium-ion is used. That could be a cheaper way to extend the range of electric vehicles without as much added cost.

RE: Hybrid Battery Approach Viable?
By rcc on 10/30/2009 11:23:36 AM , Rating: 2
If the Zinc-Air battery is cheaper and lasts 3 times a long, and is repairable, then where is the advantage to combining them with Lithium-Ions???? Population control??

RE: Hybrid Battery Approach Viable?
By Cogman on 10/30/2009 12:00:34 PM , Rating: 3
It depends on what the discharge/recharge rate of the zinc ion battery is. We know that Li-ion batteries have a fairly small internal resistance which translates into quick discharge/recharge times (Think, regenerative breaking). But if the Zinc Ion batteries don't, then it would make sense to use them for long range power and the Li-Ion batteries for the short range.

One other thing I would like to know is at what rate do these batteries self-discharge. Hopefully it is about as good as Lion, because having to recharge something if you use it or not kind of sucks.

Personally I think this is great news for the electric car. This is the exact type of battery system that needed to come into play. My biggest complaint about electric cars was the fact that their range was about 100 miles. This could potentially boost that range to the 300+ range which would be about where I need it to be to consider an electric car.

RE: Hybrid Battery Approach Viable?
By Shig on 10/30/2009 6:19:17 PM , Rating: 2
Limited # of recharges...

