A more efficient superconducting motor electric vehicle has been a research project of Sumitomo Electric Industries with its latest prototype, the Superconductor EV impressing the experts. Long known for improving the conductivity of electrical wire, super-cooling by liquid nitrogen can reduce its resistance to nearly zero.

Employing Sumitomo's strontium-based DI-BSCCO superconducting motor wire, researchers were able to engineer a practical 365 kW liquid nitrogen cooled superconducting electric motor. A unique cooling design allows two or more larger motors to be mounted in tandem for increased power. While designs are now being created for 2,500 kW ocean-going configurations, smaller applications for light-duty passenger cars, buses and heavy trucks are also under development.

Superconducting motor EVs can travel about 13 percent greater distances than electric vehicles with conventional copper wiring. Battery storage capacity and motor efficiency are critical issues in the fledgling electric car industry. Liquid nitrogen is currently being created with existing technologies and represents no environmental hazard. Sumitomo foresees the practical application of its superconducting motor EV within the next ten years.