Safety has always been a concern with lithium ion batteries. Recent news articles published highlight a positive shift away from this technology which piqued an interest whilst on 'virtual' work experience for Patti Mussard, Yr 11 student from The Bishops Stortford College to research further.

In recent years, the primary focus of many car manufacturers has been in developing electric vehicles, powered by rechargeable batteries, as a greener alternative to fuel-powered cars. Just recently, the well-known electric vehicle company Tesla became the world’s most valuable car firm, although, some people are still hesitant about making the switch to electric, as they are concerned about how often they will have to charge and change the battery, how much time it will take, and how much it will cost them. However, with the latest developments in battery tech showing the possibility of a newer, safer, and longer lasting battery, we may be looking at the start of a new generation of electric cars.

During the Delta2020 work experience program, Year 11 student Adithya Arun from Comberton Village College explored how bananas can be used for batteries and the furnishing for the interiors of cars, and how wind turbines can be used as the main source of energy to power cars instead of charging them at charging stations, along with some other methods of generating electricity.

The whole world is talking about electric cars being the cars of the future, but there are two major problems. Range, and battery disposal. These two problems can both be solved by using just two of the great things that nature provides us with. I’m talking about bananas and wind.