Volvos new look

Before this innovation the main problem with electric cars has been where to store that heavy bulky battery.  However Volvo is working with the imperial College of London on a three year project that will turn the electric car's body into the battery itself. The Imperial College researchers are working with a polymer resin and carbon fiber blend to make special body panels that could store enough energy to restart a hybrid car's engine, or add a small amount of range to an electric car. Emile Greenhalgh, the aeronautics engineer at Imperial College London who's leading this three-year project said, "Our lightweight carbon-fiber panels can carry a mechanical load and store energy simultaneously, and we're working toward achieving a 15% weight savings in a Volvo hybrid test car." It maybe another year until testing the new model is underway though.  Despite common thought the car's panels are not that complicated. The new car's program turns the body panels into structural ultracapacitors, which are like batteries in that they store energy, but the energy can not be stored for long it has to be released quickly. It's great for short jolts, like a hybrid accelerating.


I think this new innovation sounds like a great idea for the electric automotive industry. I thought this was a obscure concept at first and was a little skeptical about its safety. However, Volvo's role in the E.U.-funded project is providing advice on how the new technology might be incorporated into future vehicles, and offering pros and cons on cost and user-friendliness, which gave me a better understanding. Also, in regards to its safety, A number of automakers are working on ultracaps to supplement batteries in hybrid or electric vehicle applications, so you won't get shocked. The carbon fiber carrying the charge will be deeply embedded inside the panels, between insulation and other composite materials. Finally since the voltages aren't high, there's not much danger if the panels are broken up in an accident. All and all I think in a couple of years Volvo will have great success when releasing this new technology. 


http://www.forbes.com/2010/09/29/autos-batteries-hybrids-technology-volvo.html?partner=yahootix