Meet Stan Ovshinsky, the Energy Genius

(Page 4 of 4)

October/November 2006
 
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Driving Toward the Future

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Ovshinsky’s uncanny knack for thinking ahead makes him a true visionary. “Sometimes I think that he’s taken a trip to the future and is trying to get us where we need to go,” Heckeroth says. “I once asked him whether hydrogen or batteries were going to be the ultimate winner in transportation. He said, ‘Both, of course.’”

In some cases, Ovshinsky’s visions have become reality and vindicated him in the process. For example, he developed the technology for NiMH batteries, but when American companies dismissed it, Ovshinsky courted their Japanese competitors, which quickly embraced NiMH and began mass-producing it. Last year, about 1 billion NiMH batteries were sold in applications big and small, from portable electronic devices to hybrid cars.

It remains to be seen whether history will repeat itself, this time with all-electric vehicles and hydrogen hybrid vehicles. Ovshinsky’s batteries powered General Motors’ EV1, an all-electric car that was on the cusp of mass production before GM discontinued it. Despite that setback, Ovshinsky thinks electric vehicles and hydrogen hybrids with plug-in capability will become the rule rather than the exception. “The Japanese [automakers] will do it if the Americans don’t,” he says.

Ovshinsky has little patience for old ways of thinking that preserve the status quo. “I want real solutions,” he says. “Anybody who says you can’t change the world is wrong. If you have ideals that you want to live up to, you better be part of the solution and not just part of the griping and protesting. Roll up your sleeves and solve the problem.”

As we went to press, we were sorry to learn that Iris Ovshinsky unexpectedly passed away. She was 79 years young. — Mother

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  • jerryd 8/3/2009 9:28:33 AM

    This is a puff piece that doesn't tell the facts about this man.

    He has conned his way and taken huge amounts of gov, investors and customers. He i don't think has ever produced a good product. His solar panels rarely made spec and degraded fast way below spec and when people return them for the 20 yr warranty he sold the company to Cannon and left all his customers with bad panels.

    His 'great' NiMH battery was never very good with bad quality and varying specs, not good in a series battery pack. Only when others took it over and fixed all the problems did it work, then he sold the patents to Chevron who forced those making EV size batteries and EV's like Toyota to stop making them.

    The H2 revolution never will be as if you take the whole process it's not as eff as an ICE and 1/4 as eff as an EV. It was just another con to get money from the gov.

    The only genius here is his ability to promote himself to con money from others.

  • Jim 9/13/2008 2:28:22 AM

    I respect Mr. Ovshinsky and his work very much. I do not trust his financial backing. GM stopped production of the EV1 for several reasons, chief among them was that when Chevron/Texaco gained control of Ovonics, they stopped production of the large sized NiMH batteries needed for the car. Anyone who doubts this should ask themselves why Ovonics is not producing batteries for regular gasoline automobiles--- except that that would make it relatively easy for any small car to be converted to a plug-in electric vehicle with a 100 mile range in the back yard. GM has been suffering lately in the marketplace for their shortsightedness. They deserve it. I have totally lost faith in the U.S. auto industry. For me, from now on, it's "Shut up and show me; if you can't, then just shut up."

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