Attendees of the Plug-In 2008 Conference in San Jose, California met from July 22 – July 24, 2008 to discuss technological developments and policy initiatives that impact the future of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Participants included representatives of the public and private sectors and academia.
One of the conclusions to emerge from the conference is that lithium-ion battery technology for plug-in hybrid automobiles is destined to replace the nickel-metal hydride battery packs that currently dominate the nascent hybrid market. Lithium-ion batteries pack more storage capacity into a smaller size than nickel-metal-hydride powerpacks. Lithium-ion researchers target achieving a 40-mile driving range between battery charges. According to Haresh Kamath, energy storage project manager for the Electric Power Research Institute, “…we don’t think we can get there with nickel-metal-hydride.”
In validation of the lithium-ion story, automakers Toyota and General Motors plan to roll out plug-in electric vehicle models in 2010. Lithium-ion batteries are expected to become more cost-effective over time, as production volumes ramps up and technologies gradually improve. Environmental concerns and high fuel costs ensure that demand for lithium-ion batteries will continue to blossom. With its own proprietary LiV™ line of all-electric hybrid vehicle alternatives, Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (HYBR.OB) is well positioned to take full advantage of this long-term trend.
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