Multifunctional Battery Systems for Electric Vehicles

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Program:
RANGE
Award:
$3,498,061
Location:
La Jolla, California
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/19/2014 - 04/28/2017

Technology Description:

The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) is developing a new battery that can be built into a vehicle frame. Conventional electric vehicle batteries are constructed independently of chassis, which results in a heavier, more inefficient vehicle. By rethinking auto frame design and incorporating the battery into the frame, vehicles can be cheaper and lighter vehicle. Since conventional batteries require potentially flammable materials, UC San Diego will also explore new chemistries to make this multifunctional battery safe in the event of a collision. This approach may require a complete redesign to the auto frame with consideration of adaptability to future battery technologies.

Potential Impact:

If successful, UC San Diego’s integration of the battery into the vehicle would lower cost and vehicle weight while increasing 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. Christopher Atkinson
Project Contact:
Prof. Yu Qiao
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
yqiao@ucsd.edu

Partners

American Lithium Energy, Co.
University of California, Merced
Columbia University

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Release Date:
02/15/2013