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MIT and Samsung Researching Solid-State Batteries
jones_supa writes: Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Samsung have developed a new approach to one of the three basic components of batteries, the electrolyte. The new findings are based on the idea that a solid electrolyte, rather than liquid, could greatly improve both device lifetime and safety, while also providing a significant boost in power density. The new type of electrolyte would also cope better in cold temperatures. The results are reported in the journal Nature Materials in a paper by MIT postdoc Yan Wang, visiting professor of materials science and engineering Gerbrand Ceder, and five others.
having cars drive up, spend a minute or two and pay, then drive away is a viable business. Having cars take 10-15 is not; too much land and too many stations required.)
Keep in mind that a gas station can take up a quarter acre or more. But an electric charging station is the size of a parking meter. Since they require no infrastructure other than power, they can be dispersed. Existing charging stations are placed near restaurants or shopping centers, where people are going to park anyway, and they can use the downtime to eat and shop.
My wife owns a Tesla. She won't let me drive it, but she will let me ride in the passenger seat. We have taken some longish trips, and have to stop every 3 hours or so, vs. every 6 hours with a gas car. It is a bit of a hassle, but not a deal breaker. However, she uses it mostly for commuting, and only rarely for long trips.