A Zinc-Chloride Battery - The Missing Link to a Practical Electric Car

In order to prove the scale-up feasibility of a new battery system, a full-scale experimental package has been built and tested in a modified 1971 Vega Hatchback. Employing the zinc-chlorine couple, this unique system uses the solid, icelike compound chlorine hydrate to store chlorine safely and conveniently.

The developmental hardware and some aspects of its design are described.

A discussion of the complete electric propulsion system is presented. Details of the system auxiliaries, electrical controls, and vehicle instrumentation are also included.

It is concluded that the zinc-chloride battery is a viable solution to the principal problem impeding the development of electric cars-a high power, high energy density battery.