New battery for electric cars wins award

A SCOTTISH academic whose work could be the next big leap forward in the development of electric cars has been honoured with a UK Science Award.

Professor Peter Bruce, of St Andrews University, is working on a new type of battery he believes may be able to deliver the “holy grail” of fuelling an engine to run for 300 miles without stopping. The lithium air battery, which uses oxygen, could also help Scotland store and make greater use of energy from wind and wave power.

Prof Bruce said: “It is rewarding to work in an area where you feel your contribution might be something which will be help advance humankind.”

At the moment, electric cars can drive for about 170km before they need recharging. Scientists believe the air lithium battery – which could potentially be ready for use by car manufacturers within ten to 15 years could be a “step change” towards making electric powered vehicles more practical.

Prof Bruce said: “They could also help to balance the intermittent supply of electricity from renewable sources – such as wind and wave power – with consumer demand, a key challenge in making renewable energy viable.”

Prof Lesley Yellowlees, chairman of the selection panel, described Prof Bruce as a “brilliant scientist”.