refuelling electricity

[VJ]

This is an interesting development:

http://www.gizmag.com/semi-solid-flow-battery-design/18907/

Now, by separating the energy storage and energy discharging functions of the battery into separate physical structures, researchers at MIT have achieved a breakthrough that could allow EVs to be recharged in the same time it takes to refuel a conventional car.

[Brian Ellis]

Vapourware! Wake me up when (if) it's useful.

better anode and cathode materials and electrolytes are needed before a practical, commercial version of the battery is viable.

Under a three-year ARPA-E grant awarded in September 2010, the team's target is to have a "fully-functioning, reduced-scale prototype system" that is ready to be engineered for production as a replacement for existing EV batteries by the end of 2013.

[Dr Mordrid]

Electrode materials research is pretty fast moving these days, especially at MIT. Remember that A123 Systems, one of the prime drivers in advancing LiION tech the last few years, was spun off this same group not long ago.

Flow batteries really aren't that new, but they've upped the power density and this approach would allow liquid refuelling and reconstitution at the "gas" station. This would simplify the logistics of how an EV is "refueled" vs. battery swapping etc. End result is the mechanics wouldn't change much for drivers, plus you could still just plug it in if at home or work for an extended period.

Very promising. If they can meet that 2013 target they've got a shot.

[VJ]

My major concern would be the toxicity of the liquid... maybe it differs somewhat from current batteries, but it usually is quite toxic stuff...

[Dr Mordrid]

The papers I've read (not Gizmag) say 24M's battery can use a wide range of chemistries ranging from Lithium Ion to Zinc.