REVIEW OF THE CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRIC ROAD VEHICLES.

The history of electric vehicles and the present situation regarding these vehicles are discussed, and design parameters such as the field of application, trip statistics, power requirements, power source and range are mentioned. Possible future battery systems are also discussed, with reference to a number of aqueous, metal-air and high temperature batteries. Traction systems are dealt with, and reference is made to the general considerations of a typical controller for a motor with separate field excitation, as used in battery-driven vehicles. Economic considerations are mentioned and the purchase costs, operating costs and total costs of the electric vehicle are compared with that of the petrol-driven vehicle. The possible applications and future role of these vehicles in South Africa are considered. The advantages of battery-driven vehicles for countries dependent on overseas energy resources and the expected extra load on the supply network are briefly mentioned.