Posts Tagged ‘batteries’

Recharging versus Switching Batteries

Recharging versus Switching Batteries

In the world of alternative fuel vehicles, there are those that are for them and those that are against them. Those that are against them claim that they are unreliable, unproven and expensive. A University of California-Berkeley study as well as information released by A Better Place may stomp out some of those fears. The study at the University of California showed that the alternative fuel cars were now selling at prices comparable to those of conventional automobiles with some key beneficial factors thrown in as well. (This cost would be without the battery).

Instead of having to recharge your battery for your electric vehicle (EV) you would simply drive to the nearest battery switching spot and the battery would be changed while you wait. This is a simple process that does not take longer than ten minutes. A Better Place demonstrated one such battery switching spot and one an award for it as well. A Better Place “envisions itself as a major battery leasing enterprise and originator of quick-change battery swapping stations” (Edmunds green car advisor 2009).

The benefits of switching batteries rather than recharging them are numerous and some are surprising as well. These benefits include:

* Reduced cost of owning and operating an EV which would make them more attractive, even to the most reluctant convert. The Berkeley study has EV sales accounting for over half of all light vehicle sales by 2030.

* Reduced oil imports which would benefit the environment as well as the economy. This in turn would help the US trade deficit according to the Berkeley study which has the deficit reduced by to 8 billion dollars by 2030 mostly due to the reduced oil importation.

* Surprising benefits included in the study were reduced health care costs – fewer combustion engines means less pollution which will equal less illness. Currently, the World Health Organization reports that 900,000 deaths each year are directly attributable to outdoor air pollution (abetterplace.com). More jobs will be created by the battery charging and changing industry. Additional jobs will be created in building the charging spots and in making the cars themselves.

* Finally, this industry is ripe with new investment opportunities. This means that the US could become a major exporter of automotive batteries in the near future.

References: U.C. Berkeley Study Says Battery Switching Model Would Accelerate EV Acceptance, (no author listed).

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Electric Vehicles Have Batteries, How Do You Know if They

Electric Vehicles Have Batteries, How Do You Know if They

Using a sealed lead acid battery quick capacity test can give you the most up to date diagnostics regarding the capacity of your battery within seconds. This can tell you if you need to charge your battery a bit longer or even if you have overcharged your battery. By using a quick capacity test, you can find out right away if your battery is in good shape.

Sealed lead acid batteries are sold today for cars, electric vehicles and other items. They are completely contained and harness electrical power. They can be recharged but cannot be overcharged. One of the primary mistakes that people make with rechargeable batteries is to leave them in the charger for too long. This can actually damage the battery so that it is no longer viable.

Rechargeable batteries can be expensive to replace. This is one reason why you want to maintain the battery that you have. If you have an electrical transport, for example, you want to be certain that this vehicle is in working order at all times. It is crucial that you charge the battery. This is often the case for those who have small electrical vehicles that get them around gated communities and campgrounds. These generally run on electric power that is stored into the battery. This makes for clean air use but the battery is rendered useless if it is not properly maintained.

Using the sealed lead acid battery quick capacity test is the best and quickest way to check the battery of your vehicle. You do not even have to remove the battery from the device in order to perform this test. If you are new to the idea of charging a battery, you can use this testing device so that you understand exactly how long you should charge your battery.

Some sealed lead acid batteries have quick charging devices that are available to them that can charge the battery within four hours. When you are charging a battery, you are essentially providing it with electricity that can be portable. Batteries have been around for a long time and have always been a way to store energy. Because we are more environmentally conscious these days, we are looking for batteries that can be recharged instead of those that have to be discarded which are not biodegradable and can harm the soil.

No matter what type of battery that you use for your electric vehicle, you should be certain that it is properly maintained and charged when needed. If you forget to charge the battery or over charge it, you will eventually harm the battery to the point it will be useless and you will have to purchase another battery.

Take care of your sealed lead acid batteries by charging them as directed and by regularly testing them with sealed lead acid battery quick capacity test. This only takes a few minutes and can end up saving you a lot of money as it can actually allow you to keep your battery for a longer period of time.

Think City electric car gets bigger American batteries for bigger American roads

Think City electric car gets bigger American batteries for bigger American roads

The electric Think City has been targeting an American release for well over two years now but, like many EVs , those dates just kept on ‘a slipping. Now the cars are finally starting to hit the colonies and, as a reward for the wait, we’re receiving models with more powerful batteries. The cells are supplied by Indiana-based Ener1, a new lithium-manganese pack that offers 25kWh. Those cells are …
Read more on Engadget

Malaysian car makers eye SA

Malaysia’s car producers are visiting Adelaide to talk with local component producers.
Read more on BigPond News

Proton, Perodua eye auto market prospects in South Australialatest!

Trading trip to Down Under follows recent newsflow on merger possibility KUCHING: The recent arrival of delegates from Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) to the shores of Adelaide, signifies both automakers’ aims to explore trade opportunities in South Australia. Greeting the representatives from both car producers alongwith members of the Malaysian [...]
Read more on The Borneo Post

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