Swedish energy company Vattenfall and car maker Volvo have formed a partnership that will result in the introduction of plug-in hybrid cars in 2012.
The development of the cars, which will be powered by electricity and diesel, is being jointly financed by both companies. Volvo will manufacture the cars and Vattenfall will develop charging systems and supply the cars with electricity.
The companies say that, although the cost of the plug-in hybrids will be higher than that of cars using conventional technology, when the car runs on electricity, its fuel costs will be cut to roughly one-third that of diesel.
The plug-in hybrids will be driven by an electric motor fuelled by a lithium-ion battery. The battery will take about five hours to charge from a standard wall socket, and can also be charged through regenerative braking when the car is on the road.
As part of the deal, Vattenfall will offer customers the opportunity to sign an agreement for renewable electricity sourced specifically from wind power or hydropower, as an alternative to the regular mix of electricity sources.
This summer, the companies plan to launch three Volvo V70 demonstration cars based on hybrid technology to gain customer feedback.
Now we have such emerging technologies, I feel they need developing, yet the largest problem remains far from being resolved; this is the life and costs of the battery packs. We see all too often the advancements in electric propulsion and control systems, yet no one seems to be focusing on this battery issue. Many options have been considered, letting the owners purchase batteries, lend lease schemes, and battery rental options.
None of these options are economically viable with batteries often being around half the cost of the vehicle, and often needing replacement within five years at a cost of many thousands of pounds to the purchaser. Battery development is also crucial to improve the range of these vehicles, particularly when they are expected to travel longer distances, often at motorway speeds, and become a practical alternative to internal combustion engines, and not the gimmicks they presently are for short, local journeys.
Charging is another major issue. The charging times need slashing, the proposed vehicles limited range and limited charging capabilities will only make it suitable for short commuter type journeys, and for those based in an office, or other location where the vehicle can stand all day connected to a charger.
It’s amusing to see that the user is offered the choice of electricity from renewable sources. Who are they kidding? Legislators and investors would do well to remember that the only incentive for 99 per cent of consumers is cost. That means cost per mile: primarily energy cost, but just as importantly depreciation and maintenance. That includes battery replacement as Simon Martin correctly points out.