The Michigan Chapter of the Electric Auto Association held a discussion Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, on batteries and battery management systems for electric vehicles at Current Motor Company in Ann Arbor.
Michigan EAA President Larry Tuttle and Erik Kauppi from Current Motor Company led the discussion, and many topics related to batteries were discussed throughout the two-hour session.
A battery management system, according to Tuttle, is a system that monitors each individual battery cell in an electric motor so that when any cell drops below a certain voltage, the driver knows when to throttle back or turn the car off.
During his introduction to the session, Tuttle noted some of the many benefits of driving electric vehicles. “Electric motors are more efficient; they are better for the planet, and they are better for the economy,” Tuttle said.
The discussion, which was followed by a tour of the Current Motors facility, took a number of directions and covered many aspects of batteries. The topics included:
- The pros and cons of lead acid vehicles
- Details about lithium batteries
- How to pick the right battery
- The benefits and risks of sealed batteries
- The challenges that come with building your own electric vehicle
Please click here to be introduced to the Michigan Electric Auto Association
Source: GreeningDetroit.com
Author: Jennifer Griffin
