From the Energy Blog:
A123 Systems today introduced its 32-series NanophosphateTM Lithium Ion cells, specifically designed for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) use.
The 32-series cells are designed with abuse-tolerance in mind. A123 Systems Automotive Class cells take advantage of lessons learned from the mass-production of ANR26650M1 cells, used in DeWalt’s and Black & Decker’s power tool lines, in order to deliver 10+ year and 150,000 mile projected life requirements in engineered automotive battery packs. The cells have shown minimal power degradation and impedance growth after 300,000 cycles. The battery is able to operate at a temperature range of -20 F to 140 F (-29 C to 60 C).
Personally, if I owned a plug-in hybrid that could go thirty miles on a charge, I would fill my tank about twice a year.
Plug-in hybrids could be truly revolutionary technology. I would not be surprised to see people limiting trips and changing driving habits just so they can brag about how rarely they use gas, just as hybrid drivers today are changing their driving habits. Maybe they’ll even move closer to where they work, or into urban environs, to take advantage of the plug-in feature. This could create a multiplier effect. What we need now are a few breakthroughs in solar costs to clean up our power grid.
