Why Batteries Are Not the Future

For more than a decade, the Trends editors have questioned the near-term competitiveness of battery-powered electric vehicles. As we’ve noted, the low energy density (kWh/kg), long refueling times, limited lifetime, and raw materials scarcity associated with battery technologies make them unlikely to become economically competitive. Obviously, battery price performance will improve in the coming years. However, other technologies are emerging that are likely to supplant batteries, even before they become truly competitive with internal combustion engines. What are thes.....