June 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zolaikha Strong Will Examine How Copper Increases the Performance and Energy Efficiency of EVs at the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo
NEW YORK, NY— The Copper Development Association’s (CDA) director of sustainable energy, Zolaikha Strong, has been asked to speak at the 2017 Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo & Conference to discuss copper’s role in powering electric vehicles (EV). The expo will take place in Novi, Michigan, from September 12 – 14. This major manufacturing and engineering event brings together technical leaders and executives from around the world while showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the EV market.
Strong will participate in a panel discussion titled, “Considering Performance vs. Cost & Availability in Next Generation Materials,” as part of the expo’s focus on next generation battery materials. Her session will explore the essential role copper’s plays in electric vehicles, particularly in their batteries, and how copper’s chemical properties influence battery performance.
“Copper is used to increase the performance and efficiency of a variety of electrical components, from traditional electrical generation to sustainable technologies like electric cars,” said Strong. “While conventional cars contain 18 to 49 pounds of copper, EVs require anywhere from 85 to 814 pounds of copper, depending on the type. The majority of this copper goes to the battery.”
The electric vehicle stock has been growing since 2010. The total number of electric vehicles in the world grew to 2 million in 2016, after surpassing the 1 million threshold in 2015, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Copper’s superior electrical conductivity, malleability and durability are utilized by all types of electric vehicles, from hybrids to plug-ins and electric buses. In addition to the batteries, copper is used in the electric motors, inverters, wiring and in charging stations. The metal itself is a sustainable material, as it is 100 percent recyclable.
The panel discussion will bring together materials science leaders and technical experts including Stanley Whittingham, distinguished professor and director, NECCES (NorthEast Center for Chemical Energy Storage; Robert Bayliss, managing director, Roskill Information; and Richard Clark, senior technical specialist, Morgan Advanced Materials. The group will discuss how manufacturers can best select which materials to use in their battery systems beyond performance considerations alone. The panel session will be held at 3:45 PM, Tuesday, Sept. 12. The expo is collocated with The Battery Show North America 2017, which takes place concurrently.
For more information on copper’s use in sustainable energy systems, visit Sustainable Energy section.
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