Power requirements for batteries in hybrid electric vehicles

The operation of batteries in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) involves unus ual constraints not seen in other applications. This paper reviews the spec ifications and operational requirements imposed on batteries due to the pro jected architectures for HEVs as defined by the DOE/PNGV Program. It also r eviews the performance issues involved in battery HEV operation and surveys the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate electrochemical technologies . Finally, battery designs are recommended for the two major projected HEV applications, namely the so-called "fast-response" and "slow-response" syst ems identified in the DOE/PNGV Programme. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. Al l rights reserved.