Application of the Ford Sodium-Sulfur Battery in Electric Vehicles

The Ford Sodium-Sulfur battery is evaluated for applications in electric vehicles. The required power and energy ratings of a battery to achieve acceptable performance and driving range for a specific commuter-type vehicle are calculated and discussed. The relative merits of the use of mechanical transmissions and regenerative braking in electric vehicles are explored. Volumes and weights of several battery packages based upon realistic NaS cell designs are calculated, and the thermal management problems of these high-temperature battery packages during the varying power levels required in vehicular applications are discussed.