Aluminium/air batteries

[hairykrishna]

I was reading about a company touting aluminum/air electric car battery packs today. It struck me as a fairly good solution to the 'range problem'. The idea would be that you'd keep your big Li-ion pack but add a secondary Al-air pack. The aluminium pack is, effectively, non rechangable but adds a huge potential range. When it's 'flat' you get it changed out. Recyclable by refining it back to aluminium.

Means that someone with normal driving habits can do the long trips they do a few times a year. Takes away 'range anxiety' if something diverts you and you unexpectedly end up near your limit on the normal pack too.

[AnotherClarkey]

I seem to recall Tesla filing a patent a little while ago on a battery/battery hybrid like you describe. I think the idea would be that you hire a full aluminium/air battery for a long journey and return it for recycling afterwards?

[c2mike]

Unfortunately, so far there are more downsides than upsides...
http://insideevs.com/alcoa-phinergy-quebec-debut/