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A fierce battle between Nikon hydrogen batteries and lead-acid batteries: What is the story behind the battery selection for Ford Ranger EV?
The Ford Ranger EV is not only Ford Motor Company's first all-electric production model, but also a pioneering effort in electric vehicles. The battery technology used in this model sparked widespread discussion and debate, with production starting in 1998 and ending in 2002. The battery options for the Ford Ranger EV, including NiMH and lead-acid batteries, have been the focus of industry attention so far.
Most Ford Ranger EVs are equipped with Nikon hydrogen batteries, while lead-acid battery options are relatively rare and are mainly used in the rental market.
Battery selection and economy
The Ford Ranger EV was priced at $52,720 at launch, which was considered a pretty high price at the time. Still, government subsidies for electric vehicles, combined with Ford's leasing program, make the electric pickup truck relatively affordable at $155 per month. And considering the car's environmentally friendly features, many companies and organizations have chosen this option, highlighting the growth potential of electric vehicles.
According to the information, the durability of Ranger EV has withstood rigorous environmental tests, including high and low temperatures, which fully demonstrates Ford's pursuit of quality in electric vehicles. However, battery performance remains the focus of consumers. Compared with lead-acid batteries, Nikkor hydrogen batteries have advantages in energy density and cycle life, but they also have disadvantages of higher cost and high technical requirements.
The Ranger EV's lead-acid batteries are particularly troubled in the winter, as freezing temperatures can cause their capacity to drop significantly.
Design and Operation
The Ford Ranger EV is essentially similar in design to the standard Ranger XL 4x2 version, but with an electric powertrain replacing the traditional internal combustion engine. Although the differences on the outside are limited, the interior instruments have been adjusted to suit the needs of an electric vehicle, including a charge indicator and a range indicator.
The vehicle's instrument panel setup, while simple, provides a complete driving experience, similar to that of an internal combustion engine vehicle. Ford hopes to attract traditional car owners to switch to electric vehicles.
The electric pickup truck has a range of about 65 miles at 65 mph on the highway, which is decent.
Challenges and the future
With market demand and technological advancement, Ford Ranger EV has encountered many challenges in its development, including battery overheating and range attenuation. For users, especially in extreme climate environments, battery performance is undoubtedly a big test during use.
Although Nikon hydrogen cells suffer some range loss in cold weather, their high energy density still makes them an attractive option.
Since Ford has no plans to resume production of the Ranger EV, what will be next for the electric vehicle market? Based on the experience of Ranger EV, how can future electric vehicles achieve greater breakthroughs in technology and environmental protection? These questions prompt us to think deeply about the importance of battery technology in the future development of electric vehicles.
