ALABC 2000 [Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium]

The Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) came together in 1992 for the purpose of meeting the battery requirements of the new generation of electric vehicles (EVs). Spectacular progress was made, with cycle life increased by a factor of 10; specific energy improved by a factor of 10, specific energy improved by a factor approaching two and the recharge time shortened by an order of magnitude. Much of the progress made in this program is likely to be of value for improving the performance of VRLA batteries in other important markets. In some of these markets huge changes are foreseen for the next few years. Accordingly, ALABC is about to launch a further program, for the period 2000 to 2002, in which it is intended that performance advances equivalent to those achieved with the EV battery will be sought for the other major applications.