Sodium/sulphur batteries for EV propulsion

Branch tests and on-vehicle tests in cooperation with auto makers have shown that experimental Na/S batteries deliver battery and electric vehicle (EV) performance superior to that achievable with conventional batteries. Cell performance and bench and drive test results with experimental batteries are described. Broader scale driving tests with commercial batteries has begun. The commercial batteries are simpler in design and different in shape than experimental batteries, offering reduced cost and battery shape adjusted to the specific application, for instance, North American van propulsion. Performance characteristics of various Na/S batteries for commercial vans as as well as the drive characteristics to the vans are discussed.>