Laptop Batteries Outperform in Electric Vehicles

California firm AC Propulsion revamped its tzero prototype car to make the “super LIght versION.” A move from lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion saved 230kb and tripled the vehicle’s energy capacity.

Power comes from 6,800 65 x 18mm diameter (18650 size) Li-ion cells, as used in battery packs. President Tom Gage says, “The small cells for the tzero cost less, in total, then the nickel-metal hydride battery in the Toyota RAV4 EV, and they hold twice the energy.”

Tzero weighs 900kg and will drive 250 miles in 75-80mph traffic. “On any type of standardized drive cycle, it will go over 300 miles,” said Gage. Its best 0-60mph time is 3.6 seconds.