A History of the Automotive Battery
An automotive battery is an important part of a vehicle's operating system. In cars with traditional gasoline engines, the battery provides electric power to the car's starter and ignition. Electric-powered vehicles rely on a different type of battery to provide operational power over a longer period of time. Though the battery itself has a long history, the lead acid model used in automobiles dates back less than two centuries.
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The Earliest Batteries
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The invention of the battery is believed to date back as far as 250 BC. In 1936, clay jars dating from this period were discovered in modern day Iraq. The jars contained copper cylinders along with a corroded iron rod. The corrosion on the rod led researchers to conclude the jars were a form of battery technology, used for jewelry production and metal work. Development of the first modern battery is credited to Italian inventor Alessandro Volta, who introduced the first dry-cell battery in 1800.
Lead Acid Batteries
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In 1860, a French physicist named Gaston Plante introduced the first lead acid battery. His battery was rechargeable and was considered a forerunner in "wet cell" technology. Plante's invention relied on lead electrodes dipped in sulfuric acid. Using this wet cell technology, the battery was capable of producing a high current and also of reversing this current as a method of self-charging. Though improvements on the lead acid battery are continuously being made, it remains the main type of automotive battery used throughout the world.
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Spill-Proof Batteries
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During the 1960s, German engineers developed a "spill-proof" lead acid battery. Known as "Gel Cells," these batteries featured sulfuric acid mixed with silica powder to form a gel-type substance. The gel prevented accidental spills and leaks and helped contain the acid and other chemicals in the event of a crash. These new gel batteries also featured advanced ventilation systems that kept waste water contained within the battery for reuse during charging.
Glass Mat Batteries
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During the 1970s and 80s, the lead acid battery used in automobiles was further refined. These batteries are known as absorbent glass mat batteries (AGM). They contain a microfibers mat that keeps the acid contained, making it spill-proof. The acid is not mixed with silica to form a gel and is thus capable of more power and longer operation than that of a typical gel battery. Though AGMs are sometimes called "sealed" batteries due to their internal ventilation systems, they are not truly sealed due to the potential for combustion due to overpressure.
Electric Vehicle Batteries
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Electric and hybrid vehicles use deep-cycle lead acid batteries to power the vehicle, rather than to simply power the starter and ignition. Because of the need for much more battery power, these vehicles rely on large battery packs arranged into various voltages. Even with these larger packs, charging can be a frequent issue for electric car owners. Newer lithium ion batteries can provide continuous power for longer periods of time, but have much higher prices that make them prohibitive for many car owners. A new lithium-ion battery introduced by Toshiba in 2007 is expected to greatly improve electric car battery technology when it is modified for car use in 2010. This battery recharges in less than five minutes and costs less than similar lithium batteries in use in today's vehicles.
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References
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