Electrochemistry and the Future of the Automobile

Electrification of the automobile provides a means of sustaining personal mobility in the face of petroleum resource limitations and environmental imperatives. Lithium ion (Li ion) batteries and hydrogen fuel cells provide pure electrification solutions for different mass and usage segments of automotive application. Battery electric vehicles based on current and targeted Li ion battery technology will be limited to small-vehicle low-mileage-per-day applications; Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have demonstrated the required∼300mile range and the ability to operate in all climates. This talk will discuss the technical and cost challenges that must be overcome for commercial viability of each of these technologies.