Abstract :
The paper reviews improvements made in the design and manufacture of battery-powered vehicles and their components during the past ten years or so. Batteries, controllers, motors, chargers and transmission systems are discussed, and a brief commentary is made on the effects of modern tyre equipment on vehicle performance. Comparisons are made in some instances with earlier designs of vehicles and components. Many new vehicles have been designed to cover applications made necessary by the competitive nature of modern commerce, and some of these are illustrated and described. The now familiar chaotic road conditions in our cities and towns are worsening, and the advantages of battery electric traction in reducing noise and atmospheric pollution have led to a reappraisal of electric cars and other forms of public transport. Some recent designs are discussed.
