Researchers working on improved materials to store battery energy

Jun 15, 2011, 3:06 GMT

London - Scientists are working on car body components that could one day significantly improve the range of electric vehicles by storing energy in body panels such as the roof, bonnet and boot lid.

A team at the Imperial College in London is working on body components that act as capacitors that hold an electric charge until it is tapped.

Electric vehicles are hampered by heavy batteries and a relatively short rang, averaging around 160 kilometres. Larger batteries would also not significantly extend the range. Carbon fibre-reinforced composites can be up to 50 per cent lighter than steel and at the same time serve a dual function as batteries.

Dr. Emile Greenhalgh, who heads the team aiming to apply the material in hybrid or electric cars, says: 'We think the car of the future could be drawing power from its roof or even the door thanks to our material.'

The wafer-thin material changes and discharges electricity quicker than a conventional battery and does not use chemical processes, giving it a longer lifespan, according to Greenhalgh.

In order to store electricity, the resin that binds the carbon fibres is laced with lithium ions that serve as conductive electrodes.

Greenhalgh is optimistic that the new material could replace batteries within ten years, significantly increasing the current range of electric vehicles.