The wait at the charging station is over. At least if you believe BMW's latest hybrid development. Charging time is just one minute.
BMW is aiming for lightning-fast charging of hybrid cars. The carmaker has secured a patent for a new super hybrid system. The system combines a supercapacitor with a traditional battery. The goal is to achieve a full charge in just one minute.
Car manufacturers are constantly looking for new methods. The goal is to make charging electric cars and plug-in hybrids faster. Many have been hesitant about electric cars or hybrids. This is often due to the charging time on longer trips.
Although many people take breaks anyway, charging stops can seem long. BMW's new system could change that significantly. Charging could potentially take no longer than filling up with gas.
The system is based on the combination of a supercapacitor and a battery. A supercapacitor differs from a battery in several ways. It can be charged and discharged extremely quickly as needed.
It can also deliver a very high power output in a short time. This has made the technology interesting in various contexts. Formula 1 cars, for example, use similar systems.
Supercapacitors: Advantages and Disadvantages
Supercapacitors can also store energy efficiently. The technology is already used in the automotive industry today. The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 uses supercapacitor hybrid technology.
Smaller supercapacitors are also found in some electric cars, such as models from German and South Korean brands. However, BMW takes the technology a step further with their patented combination.
BMW believes that the system is particularly suitable for motorsport. With the correct type of charger, the system is expected to be fully charged in one minute. This is a significant reduction in charging time.
The system is also designed to harvest energy. This is done via regenerative braking, where kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy. This improves the overall efficiency of the system.
According to BMW, there is hope of optimizing the system. It could potentially be adapted to other vehicle types. Buses and trains are mentioned as modes of transport that would benefit from the technology.
Carmoses writes.
BMW's Hybrid Solution and the Future
Supercapacitors are considered a promising technology. Their role has grown in importance over the past 15-20 years. They are seen as an important piece in future energy storage solutions.
However, a significant disadvantage of supercapacitors is their price. They are still relatively expensive to produce, which has so far limited their use in more common vehicles.
BMW's solution of combining a supercapacitor and battery could be a way forward. It could offer the advantages of fast charging and high power, while potentially keeping costs down over the conventional battery.
It could represent a good interim solution. The technology could mature further and become more cost-effective over time. BMW's patent shows a clear direction for their future hybrid technology.
BMW is known for its focus on driving dynamics and innovation, and technological advances like this super hybrid system could eventually find their way into both performance models and more mainstream cars from the brand.
You can read much more about BMW, including tests of their latest models and other car news, here at Boosted.dk.
