Argonne National Laboratory photo. All efforts are focused on creating a safer, cleaner, more energy-efficient future. Clean propulsion systems for the car of the future While all aspects of car design are under study, much of Argonne's transportation research focuses on propulsion systems. Traditional gasoline-powered autos consume too much fuel and their emissions contribute to smog and other pollution. Federal and state governments are requiring carmakers to clean up their emissions.
Electric vehicles offer a clean option.
Lithium batteries power cellular phones and laptop computers. The newest lithium batteries developed at Argonne for electric vehicles can deliver up to five times as much energy per pound as current batteries. Their light weight and high energy density could help increase vehicle range, and their components are relatively inexpensive. These batteries use a metallic lithium negative electrode, a metal oxide positive electrode, and a polyethylene oxide-based solid electrolyte. Layers of cathode, electrolyte and anode are deposited on a thin sheet of film, and laminated together into a continuous web.