Popular Mechanics takes a spin in Nissan's EV-02 prototype
Nissan unveiled the latest edition of prototype electric Cube a few days ago as part of an advanced technology forum in Japan. Unfortunately ABG didn't get an invite to this event. Popular Mechanics however did have someone on hand and he got to sample the EV-02. The Cube stores electrical energy in a lithium ion battery pack, but Nissan officials told PM that the battery chemistry has not been settled yet. Nissan is apparently still testing at least 16 different battery chemistries trying to find the optimum combination of power and energy capacity. Nissan's target is to have a range of at least 100 miles but they would prefer 150 miles. In addition to a decent range, engineers also want to achieve the ability to get an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes. They will have to come up with a chemistry that can withstand such fast charging but special high-powered charging stations will be required as well. The first early production versions for commercial and government fleet tests should appear in 2010 with retail sales two years later.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
meme 1:11PM (8/08/2008)
Those stats are eminently doable with current tech (15 minute charges, 150 miles, etc), but the big question will be the price. While the CdA on the Cube won't be as bad as it may at first appear (see the Scions for examples of why), it's still not going to win any awards. This means larger battery packs, which means more expensive. I'm expecting around 250Wh/mi. And if they're shooting for 150 miles, that'd be 37.5 kWh. At a kind price of $0.50/Wh, that's nearly $20k just for the battery pack.
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axiom 2:33PM (8/08/2008)
You have absolutely no idea what your talking.. There's lots of new tech constantly floating around with battery tech and lots changes going on in the industry with volume production being ramped up to lower costs, so to throw out a number like that - with NOTHING to base it on - is just plain stupid. Its also twice the amount I've ever heard mentioned for ANY battery pack, ever.
Anth 8:00PM (8/08/2008)
Altairnano's 35kWh battery pack comes to mind as a perfect fit for their requirements. At 250Wh/mi its 140 miles and can recharge in 10 minutes. Plus their cycle count is insanely high (its been quoted anywhere between 9,000 and 25,000).
The problem of course is that the Altairnano 35kWh battery pack is something like $2/Wh. The plus side is that the battery pack would last somewhere between 1M miles and 3.25M miles - more than you'd drive in your lifetime (25k mi/yr would work out to 40 yrs at 1M mi and 130 yrs at 3.25M miles).
Joce03 8:51PM (8/08/2008)
You folks seem to be fairly educated in battery packs. So here's a question: How will these packs work in Canada, what with us living in igloos and all? Has there been cold weather testing done? Or will that come later?
Chris M 10:28PM (8/08/2008)
It isn't just power and energy, price is also important. Thats why Tesla Motors went with LiIon Cobalt Oxide 18650 cells, it had the best cost per Kw stored ratio, which more than made up for its heat sensitivity. Of course, development is ongoing, and other types of cells may take the "low cost" title someday.
Joce03: The power output of all batteries declines with reduced temperatures, but most LiIon formulations will still produce useful amounts of power even at arctic temperatures, though you won't be able to drag-race. Also, the car makers will likely include thermal management to keep the batteries from getting too cold or too hot.
goehring 1:43PM (8/08/2008)
"trying to find the optimum combination of power and energy capacity"
With a 100 mile range, how could you possibly not have enough power density? That's ~ .5C.
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meme 4:19PM (8/08/2008)
"so to throw out a number like that - with NOTHING to base it on - is just plain stupid."
Um... did I not just show you what I based it on? I just showed you the calculations. Right there. Top of the thread. The very post you replied to.
"Its also twice the amount I've ever heard mentioned for ANY battery pack, ever."
You've apparently never priced Tesla's pack.
Large li-ion packs, which is what they're describing, are expensive. Plain and simple. This will change with time, but it's not the case now. FYI, the Volt's pack, a mere 16kWh, is expected to cost $10k.
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Joce03 8:48PM (8/08/2008)
All I want to say is that even if it took hours to recharge, a range of 100 miles would be great for me... and probably for a good percentage of car drivers in N. America. My commute is 80 km, round trip. So, if they can put these cars to market at a reasonable price, sign me up!
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Hamster Breath 11:36PM (8/12/2008)
The numbers are beginning to look better and better, especially when you compare the Nissan to the old Saturn EV1. It's too bad Nissan didn't take styling into consideration though when designing the EV-02. The thing does nothing for me when it comes to looks. If they're going for that cube look, try ripping the old Scion Xb, that's one cool looking cube on wheels
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Bill 8:04AM (8/09/2008)
Tesla's pack costs at least $22K.
Other packs, using newer technology, are currently more expensive than Tesla's.
Especially Altairnano's fast charge pack.
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