Battery

Battery, device that converts energy stored in chemicals into energy in the form of electricity. It consists of two or more electric cells connected in series or parallel.

A number of new types of batteries have been designed for use in electric vehicles. Improved versions of conventional storage batteries have been developed for electric cars, but they still suffer the drawbacks of either short range, high expense, bulkiness, or environmental problems. Advanced batteries that show promise for use in electric vehicles include lithium-iron sulphide, zinc-chlorine, nickel metal hydride, and sodium-sulphur. Such batteries are also being developed by electricity supply companies to be used for “load levelling”, to compensate for momentary system load fluctuations. Such battery modules could be installed close to sites of variable demand. They cause few environmental problems and occupy little space.

See also Electromotive Force.