The article, and everybody else uses the words “cell” and “battery” as though they are the same thing.
Even though they always use the word battery, meaning cell, I understood they were going to use a size larger than the current 18650 cell. My hope was that a better 18650 would come out of the giga factory.
As the cell size goes up, the surface to volume ratio goes down. As that number goes down, so does the ability to shed heat.
On the other hand, I think, as the size goes up the ability to pack more volume in a given space goes down. I suppose there would be an optimal size and I guess 21700 is closer to it than 18650.
If battery energy could be as efficient while reducing both weight and reduced area needed to house them, it would be another big step in the evolution of EV.
Bear in mind that the battery only lasts so long, and the range graduallly reduces, so after a given mileage you will have to buy a new battery, which is expensive. And your calculation is based on current electricity costs and taxation. Any significant increase in electric vehicle usage would lead to a change in road vehicle taxation, without any doubt, especially since we will not have to follow regulations from Brussels.
Already under discussion is the secondary market for used batteries, much as we reuse laptop and power pack pull only for aftermarket power wall use where capacity is less of an issue.
I posted today a video of the new Samsung Note 7 battery shown to catch fire with with small punctures made to the battery. There needs to better training and products available for extinguishing lithium battery firers.
Now your quote has switched from explosions to fires. And water? Never try to put a gasoline fire out with water, it will spread! I’m telling you man, that gasoline is some scary shit. Even the fumes can kill. But that never makes the daily news.
+1, whenever we’ve concentrated energy sooner or later it’s got loose, Texas City, Port Chicago, 3 mi island, again in West Texas, Exxon Valdez, the BP spill, carbeques beyond count, oil rig and tanker fires, etc. Liion might be somewhat cleaner but it like anything else it has its dangers and will cause mayhem at some point.