Pininfarina unveils modular EV prototype with molten-salt battery

[wtmusic]

"Italian design house Pininfarina unveiled its Nido EV prototype today as the starting point for a new modular platform for electric and hybrid vehicles. The Nido EV is an update of the design of the 2004 Nido city car concept with proportions very similar to that of the Smart ForTwo. The Nido platform has been developed entirely in-house at Pininfarina's Style and Engineering Centre of Cambiano with the intent of being able to affordably produce different bodystyles, including both two- and four-seat cars, as well as pickup and van models. Although the prototype uses a steel tube frame chassis, production versions will apparently migrate to a lighter aluminum space frame."

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/pininfarina-unveils-nido-ev-prototype-for-modular-ev-platform/

Kinda like an electric Smart ForTwo, but design is a chip off the Ferrari block. The Think City also uses the Zebra molten-salt battery.

Advantages:
* About half the price of comparable Li-Ion (materials readily available)
* Good energy density
* Resistant to thermal runaway issues

Disadvantages:
* 500° operating temperature
* If allowed to cool down, requires up to two days to restore full charge (maintains operating temperature for 3-4 days off charge)