Limited range of lithium-ion-powered electric vehicles to hinder sales

Nissan Leaf battery pack – Click above for high-res image gallery

When the discussion centers on electric vehicles (EVs), concerns over operating range always seems to surface. Case in point: a recent study conducted by a panel at Indiana University claims that the technology behind battery-powered vehicles isn't ready for prime time. The study argues that costs, along with limited range, will hinder adoption of pure EVs.

The panel urges that advancements in battery technology is necessary, stating that lithium-ion chemistry, the current power source of choice for battery-powered autos, "may never have adequate energy density to independently power a household's primary multi-purpose vehicle." This statement seems to indicate that a breakthrough battery, possibly of the lithium-air or solid-state variety, will have to reach the mass-production level before EVs can offer sufficient range to replace one's primary vehicle. One tiny detail the study's sobering statement overlooks? The fact that operating range, at least for the vast majority of current EV drivers, is a non-issue.