Battery Technology for Electric Vehicles: Public Science and Private Innovation

Electric drive vehicles (EDVs) are seen on American roads in increasing numbers. Related to this market trend and critical for it to increase are improvements in battery technology. Battery Technology for Electric Vehicles examines in detail at the research support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the development of nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in EDVs. With public support comes accountability of the social outcomes associated with public investments.

The book overviews DOE investments in advanced battery technology, documents the adoption of these batteries in EDVs on the road, and calculates the economic benefits associated with these improved technologies. It provides a detailed global evaluation of the net social benefits associated with DOEs investments, the results of the benefit-to-cost ratio of over 3.6-to-1, and the life-cycle approach that allows adopted EDVs to remain on the road over their expected future life, thus generating economic and environmental health benefits into the future.

Albert N. Link is Professor of Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA. His research is related to the economics of innovation, technology policy, and program evaluation.

Alan C. O’Connor is an economist and Director of Innovation Economics at RTI International. He specializes in economic analysis of research and development (R&D) programs, program evaluation, and economic development.

Troy J. Scott is an economist at RTI International, where his research deals with the economics of technology and innovation. His work focuses on the nexus of public support for research and development (R&D), regulation, and R&D rivalry among firms to evaluate and inform public policy.