Lead-acid batteries: key to electric vehicle commercialization. Experience with design, manufacture, and use of EVs

Successful commercialization of electric vehicles will require a confluence of technology, market, economic, and political factors that transform EVs into an attractive choice for consumers. The characteristics of the traction battery will play a critical role in this transformation. The relationship between battery characteristics such as power, capacity and efficiency, and EV customer satisfaction are discussed based on real world experience. The results of seven years of electric vehicle design, development, and use are summarized and related to battery function, performance, and cost. The tradeoffs between EV driver satisfaction and cost are evaluated. The roles of political and regulatory factors relating to battery choice are discussed.