Hans-Erik Nilsson, Professor of Electronic Design at Mid Sweden University, answers some questions about the fuels of the future.
IS RUNNING CARS ON ELECTRICITY REALLY BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THAN PETROL OR DIESEL?
- Yes, it is. There is no serious research advocating fossil fuel cars in the future. Electricity is the most environmentally friendly and technologically viable solution. An electric car is simpler, more energy-efficient and will eventually be much cheaper than all other types of combustion alternatives.
IS HYDROGEN BETTER THAN BATTERIES?
- Both are needed. Hydrogen works with fuel cells, which are actually a type of battery with an anode, cathode and membrane. It takes fewer fuel cells than batteries to power a car. The fuel cell provides lower weight and higher mileage but requires expensive refueling infrastructure. The battery is superior for shorter distances and less dependent on expensive infrastructure. Electricity can be charged at home and the batteries can also be used to store energy for the house. It is less reasonable to imagine hydrogen production in every home. It presents too much of a safety risk such as fire and explosion. Hydrogen will probably serve as energy storage in large plants to produce electricity when wind or sun is scarce. This in turn provides cheaper electricity which then increases the attractiveness of battery-powered cars. It will always be cheaper to distribute energy via an electricity grid than to transport gas in tankers.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BATTERY COMPONENT FACTORY IN TORSBODA?
- It is important and exciting that we are involved in the development of technology. Perhaps the most important argument for battery production is the EU directive. By 2035, no new cars with carbon dioxide emissions may be sold. The industry has chosen a path to meet the new laws and the choice is batteries. It's good that jobs and growth are happening here as a result.
AFTER ALL, MAKING BATTERIES HAS AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. HOW DO YOU SEE IT?
- Today's lithium batteries are the first generation, but as the technology develops, other materials will emerge. It is important that research continues so that we can remove substances such as cobalt and that the recycling of batteries is effective. Legislation is needed here and is underway. There are no technical limitations that would prevent us from recycling batteries efficiently or from getting even more environmentally friendly materials in batteries.
Photo: Torbjörn Bergkvist/Sandra Pettersson, Mid Sweden University.
