2013 Chevrolet Spark EV will have a less volatile battery chemistry than Volt
By Andrew, 12 Dec, 2011. 0 Comments
2013 Chevrolet Spark
The Chevy Spark electric car that goes on sale in 2013 will have a less volatile battery chemistry as the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid continues to be investigated by federal safety regulators. General Motors Co. will use phosphate-based lithium ion batteries made by A123 Systems Inc. These batteries are not as likely to burn compared to other lithium chemistry, which is what the Volt model that went on sale last year had used. The change in batteries indicates just show swiftly technology is evolving for electric and hybrid cars.
James Hall, principal of consulting firm 2953 Analytics Inc. in suburban Detroit, revealed that GM and other automakers are designing upcoming models with lithium phosphate technology since these batteries are safer and last longer. Hall added that when it comes to heat management, the lithium phosphate chemistry appears to be friendlier. It’s a recent move by battery manufacturers to mass-produce them.
The downside is that they don’t store as much energy but then again, there’s still a lot to be explored. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the Volt (which uses a different technology) over reports of three batteries catching fire since May after they were crash-tested. GM spokesman Randy Fox said that the probe isn’t limited to battery cell chemistry and is focused on pack design. He also said that any repairs that will be implemented would probably involve the pack. He claims to not know the reason for GM’s move to change the Spark’s chemistry. [source: Bloomberg]
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