Ultracapacitors charge ahead

The limitations of current energy-storage solutions could encourage consideration of these alternative solutions, but more engineering work needs to be done to reduce costs.

The drive for increased vehicle convenience, entertainment, and safety features has resulted in an increased demand for onboard electrical power, with vehicle loads consistently increasing at the rate of 100 W per year by some estimates. To meet increasing power requirements, the automotive industry is in the process of investigating efficiencies and transitioning beyond conventional 12/14-V electrical networks. General Motors in 2004 will be the first manufacturer to introduce a pickup truck with 36/42-V circuitry, the vehicle joining other hybrids such as Toyota's Prius in advancing electrical systems.

The increasing power requirements are taxing the abilities of traditional lead-acid battery electrical networks. Compared with some of the alternatives, lead-acid batteries have a limited life and have limited high-current capabilities. So, many OEMs are investigating the possible implementation of distributed power architectures, which would eventually reduce the strain on batteries.