A look under the Karma

As the density of Lithium Ion batteries improve, will it be possible to upgrade the battery pack on the Karma thus further extending the electric range? I am guessing that the answer is "yes" but I would like to hear from the more tech savy members of this board. Thanks.

cbermudez8 said:

As the density of Lithium Ion batteries improve, will it be possible to upgrade the battery pack on the Karma thus further extending the electric range? I am guessing that the answer is "yes" but I would like to hear from the more tech savy members of this board. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately the real answer is "that depends" (on things like form factors and packaging). "Yes" is more likely than "no", but not guaranteed.

On the bright side, if there is enough demand, even if new higher-density packs don't "fit well" in early-201x designs by late 201x or 202x, you would probably be able to swap out the pack for a similar-capacity, much-lighter-weight pack. Dropping 250+ lbs from the overall weight would improve performance and mileage (both e- and petrol-).

It could even be more likely that both options will become available. What would also be nice is that they become more mass produced and supply lines become more robust (read high lithium mining production) to also cause significant price reductions. It is feasible to see battery tech go the way of microprocessors, becoming more power dense and more efficient at a cheaper price.