Volvo shows how body panels may replace batteries

Volvo is working on technology that could replace the heavy batteries used in cars. The research, being undertaken with a collection of research groups headed by the Imperial College, London, has been under way for three years.

The latest result could save weight and space in both conventional and electric cars, with an energy storage solution that ditches traditional bulky battery and super capacitor systems. 

The invention is a new material that blends nano structured batteries and super capacitors together with carbon fibre, and which can then be shaped to become a car's body panels, such as the doors, wheel arches and boot lid.

The researchers have used the process to build a Volvo S80 prototype, with the material forming the boot lid and the bonnet. They've started with nano structured batteries and super capacitors, sandwiching them into the material and then preforming it to fit car panels.

These can be recharged -- either by plugging into mains power or capturing and storing brake energy -- and send the energy to an electric motor that drives the car wheels.

The system can store enough energy to start a conventional car engine and power its 12-volt system, essentially replacing the standard battery.

In electric cars, it would offer massive weight and space savings over the weighty battery packs usually required to power them, with a car carrying the new panels as doors, bonnet and roof said to get a range of about 120km.

The weight and space benefits of the panels are enhanced by the material's strength, with the prospect that it can replace some structural parts of the car, such as suspension components.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott