Commercially viable NaS batteries are likely to become a reality by the middle of this decade, and ABB/Powerplex has already demonstrated high performance batteries for both stationary and on road applications. Utilizing the same basic cell design, the next generation batteries are already available in prototype form. They are inherently less expensive to manufacture and are capable of being fitted into a variety of vehicle platforms. Integrated vehicle control systems have also been developed which incorporate speed control, regenerative braking, battery management and on board charging. A key issue will be the fleet of test vehicles which while operating under normal commercial conditions, will be used to prove the new battery designs and associated production methods.
