Lithium-ion batteries to run hybrid cars

2008-07-24 13:00:17 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Green)

San Jose, California (WiredPRNews.com) — University, industry and government panelists have predicted that lithium-ion batteries which are already used as fixtures in some of personal electric devices will soon become the answer to environmental concerns. High oil costs have been bulking up for powering electric vehicles that can be recharged.

Even though great promises have been made by technology, battery makers are still concerned about issues such as high costs, depletion of battery life, impact of charging and keeping a battery cool. Tien Duong, who works with the US Department of Energy, said that he believes the lithium-ion battery will soon dreplace nickel metal hydride battery that are now used for many hybrid vehicles.

Panelists say that lithium-ion batteries suit the plug-ins better as they are less costly, have more storage capacity, are smaller in size and are more dependable than nickel metal hydride powerpacks. Haresh Kamath, the project manager for Energy Storage with Electric Power Research Institute, said that lithium-ion batteries can give 40 miles of range on every charge. He said that the battery costs need to be decreased by at least half to make the cars affordable.

Automakers like Toyota and General Motors have been rushing to bring plug-ins to the market as the high prices of gasoline have significantly cut into the US vehicle sales. GM has been developing a plug-in electric vehicle of extended range called Chevrolet Volt that will be launched in 2010. Toyota is also planning to make a hybrid plug-in with a lithium-ion battery by 2010.

Kamath said that despite the obstacles, it is possible that automakers will keep the promises they have made. He is also confident that industry experts will also be able to overcome any safety issues soon.

By: Wired PR News - Press Release Distribution Service