Stop-start problems could lead to rise of ultracapacitors

The proliferation of start-stop systems in today's cars and trucks is pretty simple to explain. With these systems, manufacturers have an easy, mostly unobtrusive way of boosting a vehicle's fuel economy. As with just about anything though, there are drawbacks to modern start-stop tech.

In particular, they're not great when paired with today's lead-acid batteries. These batteries limit the ability of the start-stop function to operate based on factors like charge level and temperature. If the battery is outside the parameters, the stop-start system won't function, curbing any potential fuel economy gains. Obviously, this problem will only become more noticeable as the battery ages.

Ultracapacitors could solve this problem, though, according to a new report from Ward's Auto. Becauseultracapacitors can be cycled rapidly and they can store quite a lot of energy – they don't function via chemical reactions, like standard batteries – they could handle the stop-start duties when the battery isn't up to snuff.

There are other applications for the high-powered capacitors too, including regenerative braking functions, where their ability to harness energy can really be taken advantage of. Ward's has a great breakdown of the pros and cons in a fairly extensive feature on the future of this potentially big automotive technology.

News Source: Ward's Auto

Image Credit: AndyArmstrong/Flickr - CC 2.0

Ford Works With Samsung To End Lead-Acid Batteries For Good

With all the talk of lithium-ion batteries powering electric cars, people tend to forget that there’s a big, heavy lead-acid battery under the hood of every car on the road. These batteries haven’t changed much since the administration of Harry Truman, though Ford and Samsung want to end the reign lead-acid batteries with a lightweight, lithium-ion replacement.

Debuting in the Ford Lightweight Concept Car, the battery is the result of Ford and Samsung SDI teaming up to develop a cost-effective replacement to cheap and reliable lead-acid batteries. A few years ago, the price of lithium-ion batteries was too high to even consider replacing standard lead-acid units, but the plummeting price of battery technology is making it more feasible.

So what are the advantages of a lithium-ion car starter? Well even though it delivers the same 12-volt output, the Ford/Samsung battery is about 12 pounds lighter than the lead-acid battery it replaces. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s one piece of a plan to systematically put every car in the Ford lineup on a serious diet.

So when will we see the last lead-acid batteries built? Alas, this archaic technology is likely to stick around for some time, though lithium-ion batteries could become commonplace as soon as 2020.

Source: Ford