Multifunctional Battery Chassis Systems
Technology Description:
Stanford University is developing an EV battery that can be used as a structural component of the vehicle. Today’s EV battery packs only serve one purpose: electrical energy storage. They do not carry structural loads during operation or absorb impact energy in the event of a collision. Stanford’s new battery design would improve upon existing technologies in four key areas: 1) structural capabilities, 2) damage and state sensing systems, 3) novel battery management and thermal regulation, and 4) high-capacity battery cells. Stanford’s research will result in a multifunctional battery chassis system that is safe and achieves high efficiency in terms of energy storage at low production cost. The integration of such a battery system would result in decreased overall weight of the combined vehicle and battery, for greater EV range.
Potential Impact:
If successful, Stanford’s battery system would reduce overall vehicle weight more than 40% by serving as a structural component, resulting in increased driving range.
Security:
The mass adoption of EVs would diminish the demand for petroleum, dramatically reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Environment:
Greater use of EVs would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.
Economy:
Technological advancements from the RANGE program could enable EVs to travel significantly further on a single charge at a much lower cost than that of current EVs and conventional vehicles.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Scott Litzelman
Project Contact:
Dr. Fu-Kuo Chang
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
fkchang@stanford.edu
Partners
All Cell Technologies
Envia Systems
Related Projects
Release Date:
02/15/2013