On Tuesday Exxon made public a new development within it’s chemicals business which they feel will be key in future batteries for EV’s being lighter and more efficient. They have developed a film which is used to separate the positive and negative electrodes apart which can withstand much higher heat levels than the current alternatives. This will allow for larger Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries which won’t overheat. The beauty of Li-Ion batteries is that they hold a charge for much longer than nickel-methyl hydride batteries, and are much lighter. Unfortunately, it’s tendency to overheat, or even catch fire has been a hindrance in it’s use in EV’s. According to Jim Harris, senior VP of Exxon Mobil Chemical Co., although the Li-Ion battery will continue to be hot, the new film will allow for larger Li-Ion batteries stable enough to utilise in EV’s.
The first thing that came to mind for me was, if there supposedly is no problem with oil production and we continue to operate with the “business-as-usual” attitude (even though it’s plainly evident that something’s awry,) then why is an Oil Giant who is making huge profits at the moment suddenly interested in battery technology for powering of EV’s, unless only because they know something we don’t (or at least isn’t being made public?) O.K. this might be a little “conspiracy theory,” but check out this site, and then download and read this report, and let me know what you think. If you read between the lines, it certainly appears that there is at least some truth to this, and that’s pretty scary! I don’t carry the same cynicism though – I feel that it probably will be a tough road, but humanity will find a way – We always have!
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March 30th, 2008 at 8:30 am
This new technology will be used all over including ZAP
April 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Good to know that ZAP is also looking to make use of this new technology for its cars, they are striving to make their product better, to give better value for money to customers
June 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Just like any smart business that looks to the future, Exxon is investing in ALL alternatives to petroleum – since petroleum is a limited resource. Exxon is renowned for capitalizing on ultimately anything, much like Rupert Murdock and George Bush capitalize on media and weapons manufacturing. So, finding that their thriving petroleum business will be heading south with the advances in electric and Hydrogen propulsion, they want their hands in the new fad.
But most of these reports, although they seem defiant to Exxon’s success, are intentionally misleading to persuade the common Joe (using sneaky little sales tactics).
Batteries are locally recyclable, and can be resold through small businesses. Hydrogen production is far cheaper on a massive scale, & can be easily governed by Exxon (and friends) much like petroleum is. Most anti-battery articles seen are actually published through the marketing offices of Exxon and BP to support their ties to BMW and GM for a new line of Hydrogen cars (slow, heavy, and dangerous, by the way).
But you’re entitled to making your own conclusions.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
My first thought when I heard this news was that they’re working toward patents that they can sit on preventing the technology to be used.
Sure this reflects my attitude toward the big corporations, but I’ve seen that tactic before.