Ask HN: Do Tesla and others have plans to use the expiring NiMH battery patents?

1 points by walden42 12y ago ↗ HN

The efficient NiMH battery patents that Chevron has held hostage for almost 20 years are expiring this year[0], but I have yet to read any information about any companies jumping on the technology.

One guy[1] claims that his Toyota EV has run over 100,000 miles on the original set of batteries to this day, which is very impressive. I don't remember where, but I recall reading an article that stated that although Tesla's batteries perform well, they require the use of a very complicated thermal management system. Additionally, they're using Lithium Ion, whose longevity is questionable.

Some information on the NiMH patents: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_encumbrance_of_large_automotive_NiMH_batteries#Current_status_of_the_Ovonics_battery_technology

Does anyone know of what plans there are to use these, and how they can be utilized in modern electronics? Can Tesla somehow incorporate them in their cars?

[0] http://ev.com/nimh-ev-batteries-held-hostage-until-2014/ [1] Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDRBRuvct54 Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Waqep7f59ho

2 comments

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SuperDuperTango 12y ago ↗

Currently, the energy density of NiMH batteries is anywhere from 1/2-3/4 of LiIon batteries, so I wouldn't bet on them being used as traction packs for EVs anymore. It'll be interesting to see if more research is done on NiMH after the patents expire though.

walden42 12y ago ↗

Hmm. Might be a trade-off between density and longevity then?