Now with the push for environmentally sound cars, there is a new problem that arises when it comes in using these ecologically sound vehicles: their batteries.
Batteries are essentially steel encased lithium ion packs that store electrical energy for use. Over time and usage, the efficiency of the lithium ion as storage for energy lessens and soon they can no longer be efficient sources of power for electric or hybrid vehicles. What happens then to the battery pack? These are environmentally hazardous chemicals if left in garbage or open pits. Some even end up in some third world countries.
The Nissan Leaf, one of the first all electric vehicles in the market have unveiled a program where the car battery can be used or recycled for other green technologies such as solar or wind energy. Current technologies allow a fully charged battery from a Nissan Leaf to power a three-bedroom home for three days or nearly 8 kilowatts per day. Thus, even when a Nissan electric car battery is not efficient for car use, it can be used to store for other electrical energy sources.
Other studies have changed the electrolyte composition, the design and even the weight to create more electrical energy for the car. The new Tesla Model S has created the battery array in the undercarriage of the vehicle to allow for greater volume at low weight. Many research centers have creating more efficient batteries. On another end, the batteries that have been used up can eventually be reused for other purposes, even for solar power generators for the home.
Because of the environmental consciousness of these battery designers, the era of throwing batteries to the dump would be long gone. A few designers have tried to create batteries using safer chemicals and recycled plastic for their housing. The future provides a wide horizon of creative imagination for the recyclability of batteries.
With this in mind, the possibilities and other future consequences can be readily addressed. Thus, the true purpose of recyclable and renewable cost efficient and effective energy, be it for vehicles or for other purposes, can readily be achieved through this kind of program and other like it in the future.
