As technology developers wrangle with the challenge of creating a battery powerful enough for an electrical or hybrid vehicle, but do so affordably for the masses, and keep it relatively small in size, others are considering other technologies.
One company in particular might have hit on a solution. AFS Trinity was issued a patent for its ultracapacitors, an energy storage device that works in conjunction with a traditional battery.
Ultracapacitors store only modest amounts of electricity, but can receive or deliver it with sudden speed. Traditional batteries, while excellent at storing energy, dont deliver it quickly enough to allow for efficient acceleration in electric cars.
Ultracapacitors can help address this by providing bursts of power, while reducing the strain on the battery.
According to Edward W. Furia, CEO of AFS Trinity, the technology was filed for patent over four years ago, but now can be used by global automakers.
This innovation allows plug-ins to travel farther on smaller, less-expensive lithium-ion batteries, while also increasing the useful life of the batteries, said Furia in a statement.
Ultracapacitors offer drivers fun without guilt, says Furia, because they neither burn gasoline, nor damage batteries.
AFS Trinity claims that its ultracapacitor technology could push the mileage of a small plug-in hybrid SUV to 150 mpg.
