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Hi Jim:
The batteries used, whether for a hybrid bus or a plug-in
car, would have to be matched to the application. The "car" batteries
we're all used to are known as starting batteries - they are designed to provide
a relatively large power over a short time period and then be recharged.
They are maintained in a high state of charge more or less all the time by the
alternator in the car and are not really designed to go very deep into the
discharged state. Draining them and then recharging them will drastically
shorten their service life compared to the shallow discharge cycle they're used
to and designed for.
Alternatively, deep cycle batteries can be used for plug-in type
cars. These batteries are designed to go into a higher state of discharge
and generally provide power at lower discharge rates relative to a starting
battery. Golf cart and marine batteries are good examples of deep cycle
batteries. A lot of good true (i.e. designed
for >20% discharge)deep-cycle batteries exist on the market - the
problem is their construction. Most still tend to be lead-acid styles and
thus are quite heavy. IMO, electric vehicles won't really be feasible
for everyday use (except short city commutes, not the 20 minute highway drive I
do every morning) until we get the weight down.
Now, once someone figures out how to get around our problem of winter and
its effect on batteries... Maybe the zinc/zinc-oxide system will overcome
that?
Mike
Thanks Jaro.
My impression is that
in this mode the premise is that, in addition shutting down the engine at
stop, the engine has a greatly reduced load to accelerate, but as it does gets
up to speed (as the driver backs off the accelerator?) the engine is then also
recharging the battery under its more constant-load mode (plus regen
braking).
I thought I saw
something a year or two ago about the "plug-in" mode, that "now" (then) the
battery is subject to more deep discharge/recharge cycles that will cause a
shorter battery life.
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