volvo developing body panels that double as batteries - battery energy storage system

Volvo is working with an independent research team to develop an energy storage method for future electric vehicles that is completely free from traditional battery and super capacitor systems, which usually carry considerable weight, take up a lot of space.
The solution is a new type of material that integrates nano-structured batteries and super capacitors with carbon fiber to form a car body panel.
The research on this new material is led by Imperial College London, including many partners, one of which is Volvo, the only automaker.
After more than three years of development, researchers have now built a Volvo S80 prototype featuring panels.
The material has been used for the trunk cover and Hood (
In engine compartment).
The breakthrough was to create nano-structured batteries and super capacitors, and then the researchers found a way to embed an energy storage system in carbon fiber.
Formed to fit the car, such as door panels, luggage cases and wheel arches.
Like traditional batteries and super capacitors in electric vehicles, special panels can be charged and powered by braking energy regeneration or by plugging in the main grid.
The panel can then pass the energy to the motor that rotates the wheel.
Impressive, the researchers found that this particular panel is not only faster than conventional batteries charging and storing energy, but also lighter, stronger and more flexible.
Their production is also considered a cost-effective ecology. friendly.
The best thing is that traditional diesel locomotives can also benefit.
The new filling chamber made of this material is hard enough to replace the pulling rod, a solid structural component that can stabilize the car ahead, which has enough energy, can replace the small batteries on all cars and help to reduce the weight.
The researchers say it is strong enough to start the engine for the car's 12-Volt system.
A complete battery
It is believed that replacing car batteries with new materials completely can reduce the overall weight by more than 15%.
Materials used on doors, roofs and hood, estimated intermediate range
Electric cars are about 80 miles in size.