Comments on: Carmakers on Plug-Ins: "Yes, But Not Yet"

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 02:08:24 +0000

One thing to bear in mind, if you are at all inclined to buy a plug-in hybrid, do not wait for them to be introduced. Buy one of the current hybrids as soon as you are able. Buying current hybrids will hasten the commercialization of plug-ins.

By: JimBaber

JimBaber — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 02:07:42 +0000

All concerned are aware that it is the battery cost issue that is the real problem. The initial users will pay for the developement of battery production equipment that will eventually reduce the unit costs to a more reasonable point for general use. (As happened with laptop batteries)

One possible solution would be to structure the battery pack(s) as add on modules so that a buyer would purchase a basic module. It would come with the motor(s), minimal battery, and generator with the needed controller hardware.

Then as prices come down because of production savings or perhaps as the customer's needs change, additional battery modules could be added easily, like memory sticks in personal computers. (plug and play)

By: Van

Van — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 02:07:11 +0000

I keep seeing the mantra that batteries need further breakthroughs, but the only real barrier is cost. The Altairnano battery (35kwh) being shipped to Phoenix Motors for EV production in 2007 would seem to be high powered, safe, and have a long calendar and cycle life. Therefore, it is the cost and cost alone that prevents dropping a 20KWH Lithium Ion battery from Altairnano into the Camry Hybrid. Folks keep saying that as production increases, cost will come down, but no one has indicated how much the battery costs to produce, and how much is added in to cover development.