The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today posted on its Internet site the draft Executive Summary of a report evaluating advanced battery technologies available for use in zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

       The Year 2000 Battery Technology Advisory Panel was asked by ARB to assess and report on performance, cost and availability of advanced batteries that could provide performance gains over lead-acid batteries in ZEVs.  While the report's executive summary is available today, a draft version of the complete report is not yet available but is expected to be finished shortly.

       The ARB's ZEV mandate requires major auto manufacturers to produce for sale in California 10 percent ZEVs starting in 2003.  Six percent of the ZEV requirement can be met with super-clean vehicles that are not ZEVs, but four percent must be pure ZEVs.

       The executive summary highlights nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) as proven for use in electric vehicles. Positive factors about NiMH cited in the summary include: 

• NiMH technology has been extensively used and proven in electric vehicles.

• Battery manufacturers can increase production to meet 2003 demand.

   

• NiMH batteries have the potential to last up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

   

• The summary notes that battery cost will, however, remain a concern.

       The ARB will hold a ZEV workshop May 31 and June 1 at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Offices in Diamond Bar (Los Angeles).  The workshop will gather information to be included in a biennial review of the ZEV program that will be presented to the ARB Board September 7 in Sacramento.

       The Battery Advisory Panel's final report will be available prior to the September 7 meeting and will be part of the Board's broader ZEV review; which will also consider the status of ZEV technology, the EV market, and the environmental and energy benefits of ZEVs.

     Executive Summary