Ultracapacitors: Best Option for EV Energy Storage Technology

Although EVs are seeing market success, there are a few factors inhibiting their widespread success. Consumers have concerns related to range and charging. Before trading their gas cars in for EVs, they want to be sure they will be able to charge their vehicles quickly and that those vehicles will hold their charge for convenient lengths of time. Ultracapacitors will lead the way in meeting these concerns and bringing EVs to the mass market.

Research continues to drive improvements in energy storage technology, and engineers are searching for ways to increase energy density in ultracapacitors. While not currently available, researchers have a goal of matching the energy density available in lead acid storage batteries. When this is achieved, ultracapacitors can completely replace batteries, and with rapid recharge rates, recharging in minutes as opposed to hours, the technology will revolutionize the green vehicle market.

Technology improvements and gains towards increased energy density begin with a lower ESR, or equivalent series resistance. The ESR measures resistance within the capacitor, and as the rating goes up, efficiency is lost. So, a lower ESR means higher efficiency, which boosts the power and improves performance. In the near future, it is likely ultracapacitors with a decreased ESR of at least 10 percent will be available. This would boost the power capabilities of the ultracapacitor by 10 percent as well, and make for higher performance in applications such as micro hybrids. Already, new generations of ultracapacitors consistently reduce the ESR.

Micro hybrids using stop/start technology require low resistance, highly efficient ultracapacitors to perform a high number of cycles. More energy can be delivered during the vehicle start when using an ultracapacitor with lower resistance. Automakers can drastically improve fuel efficiency in their vehicles with low ESR, high power ultracapacitors because they provide a reliable technology to match the required start/stop cycles. These ultracapacitors will free manufacturers from the burden of excess cooling requirements and suppressed cycle life.

Rugged, durable ultracapacitor cells provide the best solution for acceleration, energy recapture, peak load shaving and other high power applications. And, as hybrid drive technology adoption grows, the high power and strength help to improve ultracapacitor performance and meet industry demands.

Ultracapacitor advancement and adoption in the electric vehicle industry is growing. Engineers will continue to develop component technology in order to extend the lifespan of such vehicles and meet consumer demands to improve the commercial success of EVs.

About the author:

Jeff Colton is vice president of sales, North America at Ioxus. He is responsible for managing and growing the company’s North American sales operations in multiple alternative energy sectors. Previously, Jeff held executive roles at companies including General Electric Corporation, Sanyo Electric Corporation, and Saft Battery
Corporation.