Advanced Electric Vehicle Research

"The national move toward electric and hybrid vehicles addresses two issues: (1) Clean Air Act requirements for areas to attain ambient air quality standards, and (2) energy conservation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and U.S. reliance on foreign oil.This move has taken longer than regulators (e.g., California Air Resources Board) would like because critical enabling technologies such as batteries, power electronics, and motors have been slow to develop their full potential. The proposed Phase Ieffort will survey existing and near-term advanced electric vehicle technology and determine the feasibility of incorporating this technology into platforms such as the electric Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck and other USAF vehicles.AeroVironment will investigate battery technologies such as advanced lead acid, nickel metal hydride, and lithium ion to potentially incorporate into an existing battery pack structure. We will also investigate advanced motor technology, motorcontrollers, inverters, fast charging capability, and advanced transmissions. AeroVironment's experience gained in developing the Impact for General Motors, our DOE hybrid testbed work, our battery fast charge experience (PosiCharger, ABC-150), and ourextensive power electronics expertise will be invaluable in performing these investigations.By demonstrating feasibility, we will not only enable emission reductions, but also boost energy conservation efforts. Anticipated bene