Discussion Series
Overview
From Tesla to Toyota to GM, hybrid and electric vehicles are on the rise -- and improvements in battery technology are fueling the revolution. Secretary of Energy Steve Chu has noted the "inevitable transition to electricity as the energy for our personal transportation." Are today's batteries up to the technical and economic challenges.
Come join fellow MIT Energy Club members to discuss the prospect of a battery driven future. See the MIT Energy Club website for some brief background readings to help you participate.
Key Questions
What is the motivation for vehicle electrification? What are the advantages and drawbacks? What are the technical obstacles?
What is the Moore's Law for batteries? If we project that into the future, how quickly do costs fall (or performance rise)? When (if ever) do batteries become "inevitable" for transportation?
What new technologies are on the horizon? How much improvement do they offer?
Handouts
Towards Quantification of the role of Materials Innovation in overall Technological Development, Prof. Christopher Magee
Preparatory Readings
In Search of the Perfect Battery, The Economist, 2008
Building Better Batteries, Nature, 2008
How Lithium-ion Batteries Works, from HowStuffWorks.com
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