ABSTRACT
Board decided not to mandate the introduction of zero-emission vehicles and let the auto companies voluntarily sell zero-emission vehicles from 1998 to 2002. The auto industry committed to reach a goal of 10% of the vehicles sold to be zero-emission vehicles in 2003. Zero-emission vehicles are generally accepted to mean electric (i.e.• battery-powered cars) and there is considerable research effort to bring suitable electric vehicles to market. Although many battery systems are being investigated for powering electric vehicles. the lead-acid battery is by far the most mature and accepted. If lead-acid battery technology is adopted, the demand for lead is expected to increase strongly. The established world resources of 71 X 106 tons can meet the demand for electric vehicles for a long time. In addition, seismic protection and damping applications are also likely to increase.
