The hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, relies upon battery and gas power for motion. While there are benefits associated with using an HEV, such as reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse emissions, some significant flaws still plague this market. Specifically,serious safety concerns and usage problems are linked to HEV batteries.
Safety
The composition of a battery, regardless of size, can pose dangers when unsafely handled. The technology of hybrid-electric vehicles requires the use of a large battery to be placed in an unstable environment. Scenarios where a battery experiences extreme temperatures or trauma could produce a potentially dangerous situation. In addition, the high voltage associated with the use of hybrid battery, which can be compared to that of an electric chair, poses great safety risks to mechanics and emergency responders. According to hybrid-certified mechanic Kevin Klein in a DenverChannel.com interview states, "There's 330 volts of electricity running through the lines." A lethal electrical shock only needs to be 50 to 100 volts.
Lifespan
Many have questioned the lifespan of the HEV battery. Just as with any battery, time and use will diminish its ability to hold a charge. Therefore, there is a risk of the life expectancy of an HEV battery being less than that of the car. The purchase of a new battery could cost thousands of dollars. Bill Reinert, national manager of Toyota's Advanced Technology Group, explains in a "Popular Mechanics" article that Toyota would like to offer a 10-year battery warranty for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV, customers, however, it is unable to do so with the unknown life expectancy of the batteries. Reinert also added that extreme temperatures can affect the mile range of a battery. As drivers use the heater or air conditioner, their 40-mile range battery can be reduced to only 4 miles.
Enviornmental
The production of hybrid electric vehicle batteries requires the consumption of 15 rare metals. The predicted increase in demand for HEVs will likely result in greater consumption of such elements as neodymium, lanthium, and terbium. While hybrid technology will likely decrease the demand for petroleum resources, the possibility of overconsumption of precious metals could pose a different threat to the environment.
Size
The size of batteries used in hybrid electric vehicles must be rather large to emit enough power to motorize a vehicle for many miles. Open space surrounding the battery must also be maintained for safety purposes. Therefore, the space needed to accommodate an HEV battery creates a conflict between consumer demand for better use of space and design specifics that necessitate room for a battery.
References
- "Popular Mechanics": Toyota, Experts See Plug-in Car Trouble: Electric Reality Check
- Transportation Technology R&D Center: Argonne
- Aa1car: Hybrid Vehicle Safety Hazards
- Fast Company: The Latest Planetary Quandary: Hybrid Cars Minimize Gas Usage, but Guzzle Rare Earth Metals
- TheDenverChannel: Hybrids Hold Hidden Dangers
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