> Okay, but you may be surprised: I'm somewhat suprised, as when I talked to Saft the numbers I was given (both price and energy density) were not nearly this good - but pleasently suprised, and I suspect we will be seeing more NiCad conversions in the future as well. What is the lead time on a NiCad battery pack, and how complicated is the charging algorithm?
> Saft STM5-100MR > 120ah to 1000 cycles, 6v nomimal = 720 Wh > Mass 12.9kg > specific energy 56 Wh/kg > specific power (peak) 500 W/kg > Price $347 each* > Price per kwh = $482 > Cycle life > 1000 cycles at 120ah > 2000 cycles at 100ah > 3200 cycles at 80ah The cycle life is what makes me think of NiCad as a serious possibility - I have no doubt that NiCad, NiZn, NaNiCl, or NiMH would all make a acceptable commuter EV for most of the country. I think that it is difficult to say, in advance of real world testing until failure, how NiZn stacks up against NiCad - but there's no doubt that NiCad is a very good source power for a high-voltage EV. I have some concerns about the maintenance that seems to be required for NiCad battery packs, but I also have no doubt that a permanently-sealed, maintenance-free NiCad could be made.
