Storing Energy in Auto Roofs and Doors

Creating lightweight components that can store electricity could help to lower the weight of hybrid cars by eliminating the need for large batteries.

London researchers are working to create the components by producing car frames made of plastic and reinforced with carbon fiber, bound with a resin filled with lithium ions. The ions would allow electricity to be stored in the car's frame.

If the component technology reaches the same efficiency as current lithium ion batteries, a roof, hood, and doors of the material could store enough energy to power the vehicle for 80 miles.

Source: ideaconnection.comAdded: 27 June 2011