New batteries required
Article Abstract:
The EVI from General Motors is an advanced electric car, but there are problems with the batteries, which use technology from the 19th century. The car can only travel 70 miles before having to be charged again, and charging takes several hours. Cars using nickel-metal-hydride are being developed offering greater specific energy, but they are more expensive than conventional lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion technology is also expensive with the added problem that lithium is extremely reactive. Zinc-air technology involves chemical processing for recharging, and zinc-chloride batteries emit chlorine when they are recharged.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1998
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A partly electric future
Article Abstract:
Hybrids may be the car of the future. The electric part would handle acceleration and deceleration, tasks internal combustion engines manage poorly. Limits on use will extend the hybrid's battery life, which, without limits, is too short to be practical.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1996
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Now I think I'll reinvent the wheel; can Ben Rosen, the man who helped turn personal computers into consumer products, do the same for electric cars?
Article Abstract:
Ben Rosen has had success as a Morgan Stanley analyst, venture capitalist and computer maker, and now he is working with his brother on an environmentally friendly automobile. The car uses a turbine engine with a special booster generator.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1996
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