Article: Future cars could be powered by their bodywork

[cfg83]

Hello -

Technology in it's infancy, but maybe it will pan out someday :

With new battery tech, future cars could be powered by their bodywork - SmartPlanet - Feb 11, 2010

Researchers from Imperial College London and European partners that include Volvo are developing a prototype material that’s strong and light enough to be used as a car’s skin but can store and discharge electrical energy.

The plan of the €3.4 million (approx. $4.65 million U.S.) project is to bolster the charging capacity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to make them lighter and more energy efficient, allowing drivers to travel longer distances before needing to recharge.

The composite material is made of carbon fibers and a polymer resin and can store and discharge large amounts of energy much more quickly than conventional batteries.

CarloSW2

[Frank Lee]

Man, I thought my car door handle gave me a shock sometimes now

[some_other_dave]

I would be interested to see what happens to a fully charged panel that is hit by a standard metal fender. Or a pedestrian. Or another fully charged panel... I can't help but think that some of the energy in there will be discharged into the other party. Not pleasant to say the least.

-soD

[Old Tele man]

...the telephone addage "...reach out and touch someone" will now become: "...reach out and ZAP someone (pedestians and bicyclists?)"

[shovel]

hell yeah I want one of these cars next time I have to visit Long Beach, between this and the South African anti-carjacking flamethrowers, throw in some flat-proof tires and we're in business!!

[RobertSmalls]

Considering the price of batteries, I'll keep them inside the bodywork, thanks. I've seen designs that make structural use of battery housings, which is a more practical design, IMO.

[thatguitarguy]

Powerpaint

[Christ]

Originally Posted by thatguitarguy

Powerpaint

Solar-power paint lets you generate as you decorate - tech - 07 March 2008 - New Scientist