While originally two concepts were pitted against each other, the rechargeable traction battery as the source for the propulsion power in the passenger car segment has currently prevailed against the hydrogen fuel cell. That’s reflected by both the vehicles being offered and the supporting infrastructure.
A paradigm shift in terms of perception and evaluation has occurred in this regard too: while in the case of cars with internal combustion (IC) engines, attention used to be focused on engine size and power output, it’s directed almost exclusively at the traction battery. In the case of electric cars, range and charging time are key criteria for purchasing decisions. While the output of the electric motor installed in the vehicle is of secondary importance. This emphasises the fact that the traction battery is the most important component of an electric vehicle.
You can access the full article, where Kay Dohnke, sustainability and mobility journalist, delves into the technological prospects and developments of electric vehicles, here: schaeffler.co.uk
