An Electric Vehicle Design Based on a High-Power, Sealed, Lead-Acid Battery

A passenger electric vehicle which can travel 100 miles at freeway speeds (55 mph) appears to be the most competitive, electric alternative to the conventional automobile. This paper discusses an electric vehicle design which uses a number of emerging technologies that, when taken together, provide the 100-mile range. The vehicle design takes advantage of technologies in sealed, lead-acid batteries; power electronics; aerodynamics; tires; and lightweight structures.

A novel, high-power, sealed, lead-acid battery is used for energy storage and is the basis for the design. The battery is paired with a 60Kw. A.C. drive for the vehicle's power train. The A.C. drive consists of a transistorized inverter and induction motor. The batteries are thermally managed and charged with an on-board, non-isolated charger. These components, when coupled with an aerodynamically designed vehicle using low rolling resistant tires and light-weight structures, can provide the necessary power and energy for good vehicle performance.