Clever New Ultra-Capacitors Could Boost EV Range - And Performance

Hybrid and electric cars could see significantly boosted driving range thanks to a new technology under development in France.

NAWA Technology is trialling so-called ‘ultra-capacitors’ that can charge and discharge far more quickly than regular lithium-ion batteries. They can’t store too much energy though, so their characteristics make them perfect to act as short-term performance boosters.

The idea is that these ultra-capacitors, which use carbon nanotubes like those built into the bodywork of the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio’s bodywork, could recoup much more energy from waste heat or braking and have it ready instantly to deploy during acceleration.

Taking much of this load off the main battery would extend driving range by quite a bit – or allow car makers to save weight and size by using smaller lithium-ion batteries. On top of that, less charging and discharging strain on the main battery means it should last longer.

NAWA says that trials based on a Formula E drivetrain that had been modified to include ultra-capacitors weighed 30 per cent less for the same overall performance. Applying CT maths, that’s potentially a whole lot more performance for the same weight.

The firm is now targeting the big three German premium brands, potentially as well as Jaguar, in the hope of seeing the fruits of its labours make production in 2022.

Source: Autocar