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Demand for hybrid vehicles in Europe could rise to 15% of sales by 2020
By Dr. G. Crawford
Nickel Magazine, June 2008 -- You probably see more hybrid cars in
advertisements than on the road. Although Toyota’s Prius may be recognized by some and many other
hybrids are in various stages of development and commercialization, the general perception is that hybrids
not only can’t compete seriously with conventional vehicles but also are more expensive.
That perception is changing.
As a result of rising gasoline prices, stringent environmental standards on emissions, continually
improving technology and performance, and attractive tax incentives, hybrid cars are gaining market share –
especially in Europe. Nickel products are enabling this growth.
According to a 2007 study commissioned by the Nickel Institute on the importance of nickel to the EU
economy, more than 50,000 hybrid vehicles were sold in the EU in 2006. By 2015, the hybrid market is expected
to reach 4-5% of all new car sales. That translates into about 920,000 vehicles, two-thirds of which will
contain nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The EU produces about a third of the world’s new cars, and by
2020, the market share for hybrids in the EU is expected to triple to 15% of total sales.
The significance of all this for nickel is profound.
Hybrid cars are classified as “micro”, “mild” or “full”, depending on the importance of battery power in
the drive train of the vehicle relative to the internal combustion engine. In micro hybrids, batteries play
only an auxiliary role and are characteristically lead-acid batteries (LAB). Since the larger or dominant
role played by batteries in mild and full hybrids requires greater electric storage capacity, power,
efficiency and recharging capacity, NiMH batteries are used in these vehicles.
In comparison to other battery types, NiMH batteries provide 30-50% more charge capacity (power) per unit
weight than a LAB and lasts 8-10 years compared with only 2-3 for a LAB. Furthermore, a NiMH battery can be
recharged many thousands of times without first having to be fully discharged.
Nickel is used in NiMH batteries in both the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode is
constructed of specific nickel alloys such as lanthanum nickel (LaNi5) or zirconium nickel
(ZrNi2) whereas the positive anode consists of a plate containing nickel hydroxide
(Ni(OH)2). In other words, nickel is an essential and substantial component of NiMH batteries.
Associated innovations in electric motors, power electronics, energy management systems, braking systems and
auxiliary electrical components provide additional benefits.
Since hybrids are more fuel-efficient than conventional internal combustion vehicles, they produce lower
emissions, not only of CO2 but of CO, NOx, and various hydrocarbons. They are also
quieter because their internal combustion engine operates less than in a conventional vehicle.
Hybrids are now firmly established in the marketplace and nickel is playing a crucial role in the growth
of their market share.
Dr. G. Crawford is a Mississauga, Ontario-based consultant to the Nickel Institute.
Photo: Toyota
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