Rechargeable zinc/manganese dioxide alkaline cells response to electric vehicle type testing

The purpose of the authors´ recent studies has been to demonstrate that alkaline zinc manganese dioxide cells might be useful in medium range electric vehicles. These alkaline cells in the typical round cell format are being persistently improved in performance as exemplified by the Rayovac Renewal cells available to consumers. Their latest testing has focused on finding an attractive balance between a peak load energy sharing unit and a main energy battery unit. It is assumed for the present that the tubular construction of the cylindrical cells will provide the greatest cycle life and that the tubes could be made much longer for larger battery assemblies. Results to date indicate that, without optimization, the system can provide 60 W/kg and 40 Whr/kg power density and energy density respectively. For systems such as electric vehicles, where relatively cheap and environmentally friendly designs are very critical for commercial success, the alkaline zinc manganese dioxide chemistry continues to offer promise of the capability of competing with the better known lead-acid battery for large size portable battery power units