Perspective on ultracapacitors for electric vehicles

Recent advances in performance of chemical double layer capacitors (DLC) with aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes have made it possible to seriously consider them for commercialization. Non-aqueous (organic) carbon based laboratory monopolar devices have recently met key U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) mid-term specifications (> 5 WNkg, >500 W/kg and >100,000 life cycles) for load-leveling electric vehicles batteries. All DLC technologies currently under development by DoE are discussed. Each technology has distinct advantages and none are clear winners at this time. A study has been completed by the General Electric Company on the interface electronics needed to best utilize the energy of capacitors for load-leveling batteries. System costs are presented based on this study, several battery technologies, and capacitor projections