A plan to be 40 percent electric by 2020?

Are Americans ready and willing?

Calling foreign oil dependency “one of the most devastating policy failures of our time”, ex New York Governor, George Pataki, called for new programs to ensure that America is 40 percent electric drive vehicles by 2020.

Today, most experts predict that electric drive penetration will be about 3 - 7 percent by 2020. Therefore, to increase the rate of adoption, Pataki suggests a number of new policies, such as rebates for EVs instead of tax credits, tax exemptions for automakers and incentives for battery development.

Mary Ann Wright, VP and Managing Director, Johnson Controls Business Accelerator for Advanced Energy Storage Solutions, was far less optimistic and claimed demand for such vehicles simply doesn't exist to achieve 40 percent electric vehicle penetration by 2020. Ultimately, "gasoline is too cheap."

Toyota Prius a mistake?

Silly to have invested in NiMH hybrids?

So, at a press release yesterday, a Detroit-located reporter suggested that Toyota made a huge mistake by developing NiMH hybrid vehicles because NiMH technology is obviously the wrong battery technology according to the reporter.

So, the Toyota Prius was a mistake? Swapping out NiMH in favor of lithium won't be a seamless task when its cost-efective?

This isn't the first time I've heard such a sentiment coming out of Detroit, and I'm sure it won't be the last; however, doesn't this attitude demonstrate exactly why the Big 3 have struggled so significantly in the last few decades?

As Mamma always used to say, don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today.

Likewise, according to Argonne, a huge advocate and major lithium-ion researcher, current lithium-ion batteries, just like NiMH, are probably only an interim battery technology as well. Perhaps automakers should avoid battery vehicles all together until they have the perfect technology for every consumer?

But back to Toyota, can millions of hybrid consumers and thousands of patents built around electric drivetrains really be so wrong?

Toyota strikes major lithium deal

All plug-in ducks in a row

Toyota, via one of its partners, has joined forces with Orocobre Ltd to mine lithium in Argentina according to reports.

Aside from securing a supply of lithium, Toyota is now positioned for greater profit potential in the sale of plug-in vehicles. As it did with its current hybrid cars, Toyota is now laying the foundation for its own supply chain of essential materials for battery-powered vehicles. By keeping a significant percent of its supply chains and battery development in-house, Toyota has been able to foresee profits in battery-powered vehicles where others have not.

Now the hybrid king appears on a path to also become the plug-in hybrid king.

Lithium battery breakthrough?

50 percent cheaper batteries coming soon?

British company Qinetiq has supposedly developed new lithium-ion batteries with iron sulfide chemistry that can reportedly offer twice as much power density as today's lithium-ion batteries.

More important, however, the new batteries should be half the price of today's NiMH batteries.

If true, hybrid cars would become both more cost-effective and more appealing to a significant percent of new car buyers. Likewise, plug-in hybrids and EVs might only cost an arm instead of an arm and a leg.

Lithium-ion: Only a bridge technology

A couple of Chevy Volt lithium-ion battery packs

So, can lithium-ion batteries make plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles as common as your conventional gas-powered vehicle anytime soon?

Probably not. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are just a bridge technology to real EV penetration according to Argonne Laboratories, a source of much lithium-ion research. To make plug-in vehicles cost-effective enough for the masses, Argonne is focusing on next generation lithium-air batteries.

Still, lithium-air batteries are yet dependent upon numerous technological breakthroughs before becoming a possible reality. Even then, according to Argonne Director Eric Isaacs, it will be ten or twenty years before this technology can be commercially adopted.

New cobalt mine hints at increased hybrid production

Hybrids good for Idaho

Canada's Formation Metals Inc is set to begin operations that should lead to a major cobalt mine in Idaho.

Currently, 27 percent of Cobalt is used in battery technologies, including hybrid cars and some plug-in hybrids.

In the past environmental issues have prevented much new cobalt mining in the US. However, by working with environmental groups in the area and guaranteeing money for pollution mitigation and watershed protection, Formation Metals was able to secure approval from these groups.

Larger, lithium-powered Prius next year

The Prius family is set to expand

Starting next year, according to an unconfirmed report coming out of Japan, Toyota will begin producing a larger Prius-derived hybrid that will use a lithium-ion battery pack. Sources indicate the new hybrid will be either an SUV or station wagon and cost about $22,0000.

Toyota has brought up the idea of expanding the Prius line for years, so this news isn't that surprising. However, the fact that Toyota will utilize lithium is interesting.

Recently, Toyota claimed that 30 percent of all vehicle sales will be hybrid by 2020. However, Toyota has perpetually had a hard time producing enough NiMH batteries for its current hybrid cars. So, this seems to indicate that lithium will be integral to Toyota achieving its future production plans, and it won't just be lithium plug-ins, but lithium conventional hybrids as well.

Batteries to be "core" Nissan business

Nissan's Infiniti M hybrid

Nissan is making rechargeable batteries a "core business" for its long term plans.

"The electric car is going to be a long-term bet, a long-term investment," Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told a news conference ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show.

"If you want to go for the electric car, or even for the fuel-cell car, the heart of the system is the battery," Ghosn said.

Lithium-powered Infiniti hybrid here in 2011

Nissan's first next-gen hybrid?

Nissan has announced that it will launch a new lithium-powered hybrid in 2011.

Other than its 2011 launch date, Nissan is providing few details on the 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid.

How will Bolivia manage its lithium?

All about the lithium

South Korean state-run Korea Resources Corporation (KORES) is working hard in Bolivia to gain access to the country's large supplies of lithium, as are many other companies.

With hybrid cars and other electric vehicles on a path to capture as much as 25 percent of the world's automarket by 2025, Bolivian lithium appears ever more important.

But, Bolivia is playing their lithium card carefully, searching for quality partners to help Bolivia get the most of its natural resources.

"We need investments,' and 'companies who respect Bolivian regulations... who don't come to play politics' or 'conspire against the government,' said Bolivian President Evo Morales recently.

Does that already leave America out of the mix? If so, would that provide another competitive advantage to non-American automakers?

Toyota: It won't be easy to scale down lithium, plug-in costs

A Prius about to be converted into a plug-in

Since the launch of the first Toyota Prius, NiMH battery costs have dropped from about $10,000 per battery pack to less than $3,000. Size and weight have seen similar reductions.

So, won't lithium battery technology follow the same scalable trajectory?

Not according to Toyota.

After a few years of quietly testing lithium-ion technology in a number of Prius hybrids in real world conditions throughout the world, Toyota was able to validate that lithium-ion technology is safe. However, for the small fuel efficiency gains it provides, lithium is just not yet cost-effective.

Nonetheless, while Toyota believes that NiMH technology is the best technology for today's hybrid cars, the automaker still believes that lithium is the best technology for plug-in vehicles. Unfortunately, Toyota does not believe that mass production will scale down the costs of lithium technology nearly as fast as NiMH technology according to a presentation at the California Air Resources Board’s ZEV Technology Symposium in Sacramento, California.

Coupled with limited range, lack of infrastructure, etc., Toyota believes it will be hard for current lithium technologies to move plug-in technologies into the mass market.

However, at the same conference, representatives from Nissan and Tesla, for instance, were more positive on lithium technology.

Is Toyota a lithium and plug-in vehicle laggard? Does Toyota have the wrong lithium technology? Is Toyota too vested to NiMH? Or, is Toyota simply being honest about the realities of lithium and the plug-in revolution?

Toyota: Lithium still too expensive

A plug-in Prius at HybridFest

Since 2006, in the US, Japan, and Europe, Toyota has been quietly testing 126 lithium-powered Prius hybrid cars. In fact, there was a time when a few top Toyota executives announced that lithium would power the third generation Toyota Prius.

Then a few cell phone and laptop batteries exploded. Soon after, Toyota announced that lithium would not power the third generation Prius.

So, is lithium unsafe?

According to Toyota senior staff engineer for batteries, Kazuo Tojima, Toyota's tests demonstrated that lithium's “durability, stability and safety are assured.”

Unfortunately, while lithium also provided "small" fuel-economy gains, the costs of lithium still out-weighed the benefits.

Besides, is there any reason for Toyota to rush into lithium? On the other hand, isn't there every reason for US automakers to rush into lithium?

Time to get real about hybrids and plug-ins

All about the dead Presidents?

Several months ago, a JD Power survey found that, despite declining gas prices, more than 70 percent of Americans were interested in buying hybrid cars. More than 40 percent of that 70 percent indicated they would pay as much as $5000.00 more for a hybrid.

At the time, however, hybrid sales were declining, as hybrid market share fell below 3 percent. Apparently, it's not easy to put your money where your mouth is.

Can we change this disconnect? Finish: Time to get real about hybrids and plug-ins

What's wrong with tax credits for hybrid cars?

You're no plug-in, Ford hybrid

Today, Toyota is facing a battery shortage for its hybrid cars. By next year, however, Toyota might have enough batteries to produce 1 million hybrids per year.

Aside from Honda, no other automaker will produce even 100,000 hybrid vehicles per year until lithium is developed. Even then, many automakers might skip hybrids, instead preferring to put their lithium technology into limited production plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

However, if Toyota swapped its NiMH batteries for Enerdel's lithium batteries, for instance, it could produce either 100,000 electric vehicles or one million Prius hybrids. And, without question, 1,000,000 Prius hybrids would have a significantly greater effect on both foreign oil dependency and global warming.

Considering that plug-in vehicles could be 3 decades or more from achieving at least 20 percent marketshare, why is America's lithium focus only upon plug-in vehicles?

Without question, tax credits for plug-in vehicles are a worthy expenditure. Still, why only plug-ins? Why not put lithium into as many vehicles as possible?

Ultimately, wouldn't lithium hybrids lead to a much quicker and dramatic effect on America's foreign oil dependency and carbon footprint? Shouldn't that be the driver of any battery-powered tax credit?

Sonata hybrid goes through the paces

Can Blue Drive give Hyundai's hybrids street cred?

Insideline has a couple of spy photos of Hyundai's Sonata hybrid going through some paces with a number of other hybrid cars, such as the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid. Other than the photo, however, there aren't any new details.

At the LA Auto Show Hyundai claimed that its new lithium polymer batteries were going to be a cut above of the rest of the lithium field, such as the lithium batteries powering the Chevy Volt or the plug-in Toyota Prius.

I can't wait until the real world can put this claim to the test.

Battery grants: Tiptoeing around reality?

Will these save the US auto industry?

Just a short while ago, President Obama officially announced his plan to provide some $2 billion in grants to develop a battery industry in the US claiming that 'We failed far too long to invest in innovative technology'.

Such as the billion GM lost on the EV1? Such as the $1 billion + the Clinton Administration granted automakers to develop the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles? That's a couple a billion for innovative technology right there.

While I support these grants, other such efforts have been made in the past. They failed for one reason: cheap gasoline prices. Perhaps gasoline prices will be more supportive of such innovations this time around, but such a bet is still a significant gamble.

For instance, much of this gamble is being bet on plug-in vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt - a vehicle that is going to lose a massive amount of money for at least the next decade. According to the likes of JD Power, etc., such vehicles are going nowhere fast in the next decade. In fact, it will be decades before such vehicles represent at least 10 percent of America's auto fleet.

Even worse, ironically, according to the Volt's father, Bob Lutz, energy prices don't support hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. Well, the economics of plug-ins like the Volt require significantly higher energy prices than conventional hybrids to achieve cost-effectiveness.

Are these battery grants really any different than what has been tried in the past? Ultimately, isn't innovative fuel efficient technology solely dependent upon energy prices?

The battery powered auto revolution: Going nowhere fast

Volts of hype

The battery is the future, at least the mid-term future, according to almost every major automaker. Eventually, after a couple of minor miracles, fuel cell vehicles might replace pure battery powered EVs. Still, even fuel cell vehicles will include hybrid-style batteries.

One way or another, the future of the auto industry is centered around battery technology.

Today, Toyota is the undisputed king of hybrid cars. Not a single other automaker is even on the same field as Toyota. I guess you could say that makes them the leader of the battery revolution. Unfortunately, however, Toyota's hybrid-powering NiMH battery technology is not the battery technology of the future.

On the other hand, for years now, GM has been hyping its battery-powered Chevy Volt hybrid, as Nissan has suggested it would skip hybrids in favor of pure electric cars. Regardless of whether the future is hybrids, pure EVs or a combination of both, every automaker is increasing their battery-powered hype.

Unfortunately, most of the battery-powered revolution is talk, talk, talk and spin, spin, spin.

Unless gas prices rise to at least $4.00, most Americans won't even a consider a hybrid like the Toyota Prius. It'll take even much higher gas prices to make the Chevy Volt cost-effective, and Nissan's EVs probably won't really resonate until battery swapping is perfected.

Yet, until all of that happens, expect even greater hype, more political sound bites, and increased media hoopla regarding how battery-powered cars are going to completely transform America, just don't expect the future to live up to the hype anytime soon.

Toyota still cautious on lithium technology

Next step for plug-ins unclear

Toyota is still on track to release a pilot fleet of 500 plug-in Prius hybrids this year, but the automaker is not yet certain what the next step will be for lithium-powered plug-in hybrids.

Yoshimi Inaba, chairman and CEO of Toyota Motor Sales USA, told the DetroitNews, that Toyota isn't yet fully committed to selling plug-in vehicles commercially until Toyota is confident that large lithium battery packs pose no safety risks. Thus, this demonstration fleet will be critical to the future of Toyota's plug-ins.

"All the learning that we can from that, I think we will decide the next steps," Inaba said.

Lithium or bust: Smart?

A plug-in Prius

I was at HybridFest this weekend where I spent a good chunk of time with a hybrid battery repair person (more on that later). Anyway, I brought up the idea of replacing my NiMH battery with a lithium pack in several years, and Ron, the battery man, asked, why?

Before I could reply, he mentioned numerous reasons why lithium would offer very little over a NiMH battery in a conventional hybrid - an argument I've heard before.

Of course, I was thinking plug-in hybrid, and I was also hoping that lithium costs would be much cheaper several years from now. But Ron's points have been ringing in my head since.

Today, automakers, such as Ford, are producing some great hybrids, but Ford's limited investment into NiMH technology means that Ford simply isn't going to produce many hybrid vehicles until lithium is a fully baked and cost-effective technology. In fact, Toyota stands alone as the sole automaker well invested into NiMH and capable of producing 100's of thousands of hybrids every year, if not millions.

However, Honda continues to pick up the pace of its hybrid beat. And Honda's new CEO Takanobu Ito, has made it quite clear that Honda is quickly and significantly increasing Honda's hybrid output. Unlike every other automaker except for Toyota, however, Honda does not seem to be waiting for lithium. Honda, it appears, will increase its investment into NiMH technology while rolling out lithium technology.

All of this makes me wonder? Have US automakers become too complacent regarding battery technology? Too focused on the future, rather than today? What if lithium takes much longer to cost-effectively roll out than expected?

Study: Battery Swapping the key to electric cars

Bad news for the auto industry?

A new study by the University of California at Berkeley finds that the key to electric vehicle success could be dependent upon the ability of electric car owners to swap their batteries. Under such a plan consumers might own their car, but not the battery, much like the idea behind Project Better Place.

I haven't been able to read the whole study yet, but I've been a big fan of Better Place's out of the box thinking. Nonetheless, it makes me wonder, is the entire established auto industry capable of surviving such a business model?

Hyundai's lithium polymer hits the real world

The power behind the new Hyundai?

Yesterday, Hyundai began selling its new Elantra hybrid, the first hybrid to use lithium polymer batteries, but only in South Korea. Nonetheless, the batteries powering these new hybrid cars could have a dramatic impact on the future of hybrids, and of Hyundai.

In terms of manufacturing, many experts believe that lithium polymer offers huge advantages compared to other lithium batteries, particularly when it comes to mass production. And today, cost-effective, reliable mass production is the key to the lithium game.

If all goes well, the new Hyundai Sonata hybrid should hit US shores late next year.

Daimler: Clean diesel is not enough

A Mercedes hybrid vehicle

While the future of the electrification of the automobile is still murky, Daimler is now fully committed to being a leader. Despite cutbacks in every department, R & D spending on lithium technology has been increasing and will not be cut.

From hybridization to full electric cars, Daimler is now certain clean, high performance diesel will not be enough to carry the company into the future. The battery is now critical to Daimler, and its marquee Mercedes brand.

"It's clear that a dramatic transition period has started," Thomas Weber, head of R&D, tells Fortune "and we want to actively shape it."

Thus, expect a a wide range of mild hybrids, full hybrids and electric cars from Daimler in the very near future.

Another step towards GM's lithium BAS hybrids

Lithium powered in 2010?

By the second half of 2010 GM should begin rolling out a few new hybrids with its upgraded BAS mild hybrid system. And the lithium-ion batteries for these new hybrids will be powered by Hitachi.

Today, Hitachi announced that it is planning to significantly increase production of its lithium ion batteries in advance of an expected significant increase in demand. So far, GM alone has already ordered enough cells for 100,000 hybrid vehicles.

Is the US auto industry headed in the right direction?

China's BYD hybrid on track for 2011 US launch

The other day a new University of Michigan study found that US automakers have perpetually underestimated the importance of fuel efficiency in the American market. However, a robust change towards fuel efficiency could be a huge cash cow for US automakers.

But are US automakers making the right moves?

America's most notable future product, in terms of fuel efficiency, is the Chevy Volt. Yet, the Volt's most important piece of technology, the lithium battery, is based on South Korea's LG Chem chemistry. Interestingly, LG Chem is also developing the cells to power Hyundai hybrids, another Korean company. Yet, if Hyundai has perfected the lithium polymer battery, Hyundai's battery technology might already be superior to GM's.

And what of smaller, cheaper cars and hybrids?

Again, there is Hyundai, but also BYD, Mahindra, Tata, and many other emerging automakers that could become very competitive within the next decade. And, many of these automakers - which have far cheaper labor costs - are building their entire business models on cheap, small vehicles and alternative technologies.

Moreover, like Hyundai, BYD has a hometown lithium cell provider, itself. BYD also has far easier access to lithium than does any US company.

Ultimately, I'm certainly not arguing that US automakers cannot compete, especially Ford. However, it seems US automakers need to think far beyond CAFE. If US automakers are to be successful a decade from now, don't they have to raise and lead the fuel efficiency bar across all automotive segments?

Hybrid wild card: Hyundai and its lithium polymer battery

Is the Sonata the right play?

Hyundai has yet to sell a hybrid in the US, and it's first hybrid will be the Sonata hybrid. Without a unique hybrid, can Hyundai really compete in the hybrid cars segment?

Certainly, Hyundai's debut of its Blue Drive Hybrid system at the LA Auto Show - featuring lithium polymer batteries - was extremely compelling. Still, how much will this technology cost, and without a unique hybrid offering, does lithium polymer matter?

I'm not sure, but after today's impressive jump in vehicle quality by Hyundai, I can't help but wonder if Hyundai isn't ready to kick up its entire operation a notch - an operation significantly focused on fuel economy. Hyundai has made numerous forward looking statements on CAFE, hybrids, etc. in recent years, but has this all been just talk - typical auto industry PR - or has Hyundai been preparing for this walk all along?

Hyundai might just now be finding its stride, and if Hyundai has also mastered the lithium polymer battery for hybrid cars.......well, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Toyota: NiMH more cost-effective than lithium

It could have been lithium powered?

There was a time when it seemed that the third generation Toyota Prius was going to be powered by lithium-ion batteries. Then some cell phones and laptops exploded and, not long after, came the announcement that the new Prius would not use lithium.

According to Akira Kuroda from Toyota's Hybrid Vehicle Material Engineering Division, Toyota's decision not to use lithium wasn't about unreliable battery technology. Instead, it was all about cost.

Over the years Toyota has been able to bring down the cost of its NiMH battery packs "dramatically" and cost reductions, notes Kuroda, are the key to the continued success of the Prius.

Nonetheless, Toyota has had 126 lithium powered Prius hybrids on the road for over 3 years, and so far these vehicles have provided promising results. Moreover, Toyota is prepared to utilize lithium for both its plug-in Prius and its electric vehicles. However, don't expect a conventional Prius to use lithium until lithium costs can be significantly reduced.

Is the lithium vehicle revolution more hype than reality?

A lithium battery pack from Hymotion

The other day one of GM's top Volt engineers, Frank Weber, claimed that by the second generation of the Chevy Volt, it was possible that battery costs could be halved. While I found that to be great news, I wondered how one could know such a thing if mass production of such batteries hadn't yet been demonstrated?

Then today I read a story about how GM's Global Battery Systems Engineering Group Manager, Joe LoGrasso, told the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference that "long-term commercial success [of lithium] may depend on the convergence of cell formats." Moreover, he claimed such convergence faced lots of obstacles and might not even be possible.

But, without such convergence, lithium success might not be possible?

These days, automakers have become marketing machines. Once Bob Lutz claimed that GM could have developed and produced a Toyota Prius contender with just a fraction of one year's marketing budget. Thus, automakers have a lot of money to spin hype and hope into publicly perceived reality.

One way or another advanced battery technology will make its way into the automobile, but is the lithium battery vehicle far more hype than reality today, and for the short to mid-term? Have automakers over-hyped the reality of current automotive technology, again?

Focus on Ford: What's the real state of lithium?

Why wasn't it lithium?

In 2010 Ford will roll out its all electric transit van. The next year a small EV will follow. However, less battery intensive lithium hybrids and plug-in hybrids won't hit the market until 2012 under Ford's current plans. Why?

Ford claims their new lithium battery technology will offer 5 percent more power than NiMH. More important, however, their lithium batteries will be 30 percent smaller, 50 percent lighter and about 30 percent cheaper to manufacture than NiMH.

Really? When? Because it's obviously not today, otherwise Ford would have added this technology to the Fusion hybrid, especially since the Fusion hybrid is less battery intensive than an EV. Moreover, Ford is only going to make 25,000 of these hybrids per year. So, such an implementation would have been minor compared to 25,000 EVs per year.

Yet, today, Ford doesn't plan to roll out a lithium hybrid until 2012, even though it would make such hybrid vehicles more powerful and cheaper? Why?

Many lithium experts have pointed out that hand producing lithium batteries for a handful of autos isn't a problem, it's cost-effectively mass-producing them in a way that guarantees absolute reliability for hundreds of thousands of vehicles that's the real concern.

If Ford couldn't safely and cost-effectively mass manufacture its new lithium technology for just 25,000 hybrids - about 2,000 battery packs per month - how close can we really be to the lithium revolution?

Ford's huge hybrid opportunity: Can Ford compete?

Can you compete with the king or not?

I still can't believe the early sales data coming in on the 2010 Toyota Prius. Even before the Prius actually launches, Toyota will have already sold more of these new hybrid cars than Ford will sell in all of 2009, despite the hype around the new Fusion hybrid.

Yet, as Chrysler and GM sit on the precipice of bankruptcy, Ford stands strong in Detroit, in America. Today, Ford evokes hope in the hearts and minds of those that believe the US auto industry can still compete.

But, what do we really believe in? That Ford understands finance? Obviously, but what about its future products?

If Ford was rolling out Honda's new Insight hybrid, it would have instantly sold out. INSTANTLY. Buy American-only buyers are dying to put their money in an American product that proves American automakers can compete, especially when it comes to fuel efficient technology.

But, can Ford truly compete in the future? Not if its cheapest hybrid is the Ford Fusion hybrid.

In recent weeks and months Ford has talked up its gains in lithium batteries. Enough talk. It's time to walk the walk and give America an American foreign-oil dependency, CO2-crushing, Toyota Prius contender. Such a vehicle cannot, will not, fail Ford. And the hype, buzz and floor traffic it would create for Ford would result in the biggest marketing coupe in Ford history.

So, can Ford compete?

Shouldn't we hybridize every car?

Not really a good EV candidate?

By 2050, decades from now, there will still be many internal combustion-powered vehicles on the road. In fact, in 2050 the road might be equally filled with ICE, fuel cell and plug-in vehicles.

If true, that would mean 2/3's of all autos are going to need some kind of battery, as the smartest fuel cell vehicles will be battery-using fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Unfortunately, the US lithium battery industry is just short of nonexistent, especially when it comes to cell manufacturing.

So, why not hybridize everything starting in the next five years to guarantee the need for US battery manufacturing immediately, or at least as soon as possible?

And this isn't just about somtimes expensive full hybrids cars or plug-in hybrids, GM is proving that cost-effective lithium-based BAS hybrid systems can improve overall vehicle fuel efficiency by 20 percent. Such a system will pay for itself. Thus, if the government is going to help GM retool its business, shouldn't incorporating, minimally, this kind of hybrid technology into every vehicle line be required?

In fact, make each hybrid capable of being a BAS hybrid, a dual mode hybrid, or maybe even a dual mode plug-in hybrid.

Certainly, GM could use other tricks to make every vehicle efficient enough for new CAFE regulations, but a focus on batteries is critical if the US auto industry is truly going to compete in the next few decades, as batteries will become significantly important supplies.

But we're so far behind, we can't move fast enough. We have to be aggressive.

Since the US auto industry is, essentially, largely dependent upon the government, isn't this the perfect time to step into the next century of automaking via government assistance?

Moreover, why not unlimited tax credits for every hybrid made with a US manufactured battery? And/or, for any hybrid assembled in the US?

Can green vehicles really save the Big 3?

The Chinese auto has only just emerged

As Congress and the Obama auto task force contemplate many tens of billions - perhaps even much more - in aid to the US auto industry, is the US auto industry already a dead industry walking?

Kudos to President Obama for playing hardball - even if it is just for show - with the UAW, bondholders and corporate boards. Still, today these concessions are being forced in an effort to compete with Japan and Korea.

Tomorrow, even mighty Toyota might not be able to compete with Chinese automakers, and smart people like Warren Buffett are already making that bet.

Today, many claim that hybrid and electric vehicles are the key to the Big 3's future - vehicles with little profit potential for Big 3 automakers in the next few decades. Yet, Chinese automakers are quickly rushing to fill this segment with their own products. Moreover, China has far better access to lithium than does the US, hordes of engineers and an endless supply of cheap labor.

Can hybrid cars really save the Big 3? Can anything?

Time to revisit plug-in tax credit legislation?

Is its battery big enough?

There has been an AP story all over the Internet covering the difficulties of reaching President Obama's 1 million plug-ins by 2015 goal. Cheap gas, a struggling economy, bankrupt automakers, and excessively expensive technology, etc. make the goal impossible without massive help from the government.

Thus far the government has offered tens of billions in loans and aid to help automakers retool, in addition to plug-in tax credits for consumers worth up to $7500. While these tax credits are not as heavily skewed towards large battery plug-ins as originally proposed, they are still skewed towards vehicles that some studies have questioned in terms of efficiency.

Now, I don't want to argue against large battery plug-ins, but I do wonder if this legislation is as effective and efficient as it could be. Even worse, I wonder if this legislation is semi-counterproductive.

For instance, with plug-in profitability possibly a decade away, are plug-ins more about CAFE balancing than an aggressive attack on oil dependence? Also, will these vehicles be profitable after tax credits expire?

Is the size of the battery really the key this early in the game, or should there be more focus on putting lithium into as many cars as possible as quickly as possible?

Ford + EnerDel = Failure?

Where does your battery come from?

In the future, the US might no longer suffer from foreign oil dependence, but there is every reason to believe that we'll suffer from foreign battery dependence. Can the US auto industry survive and compete if it has to import cost-effective lithium batteries from Asia and Europe - areas that are years ahead of America in both battery R&D and manufacturing capabilities?

Today, there is only one company that has the ability to mass-produce enough lithium batteries for either tens of thousands of EVs or hundreds of thousands of hybrid cars right here in America. Unfortunately, EnerDel can't sign a contract with any of the Big 3 American automakers.

Why? According to Argonne Labs, Enerdel has quality lithium chemistry.

So, why didn't Ford, for example, show some real innovation and produce the Ford Fusion hybrid with lithium batteries from EnerDel, rather than NiMH batteries? Ford has no future with NiMH, so why not take a calculated risk with American-manufactured lithium batteries, especially if you're only going to produce 25,000 of these hybrids per year?

Late next year, Uncle Sam will be doling out $7500 tax credits to Americans that buy plug-in vehicles that might have been made in America, but the most important technology, the battery, was not. Isn't it time to also dole out some credits to push American automakers, such as Ford, into American manufactured lithium batteries for today's hybrids? Isn't there no better time to act than right now?

Hyundai Nuvis hybrid interesting but...

Great styling but questionable potential

I've been looking at pictures of the Hyundai Nuvis hybrid all morning, and I have to say I'm slightly disappointed. While I really like the styling of this vehicle, I have to question its approach.

Offering the room of a large sedan the Nuvis crossover is an appealing vehicle, but at 34 mpg combined, I'm just not sure its the right approach for Hyundai to showcase its future unless it can be priced considerably less than the Ford Escape hybrid.

Instead, I'd like to see Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive, which will use Hyundai's new lithium polymer batteries, in a smaller, cheaper Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrid contending package.

Moreover, considering Hyundai's lithium battery helped reduce the battery weight of this hybrid, coupled with the effort Hyundai took to make the hot new 228 hp inline 4 cylinder engine more efficient, I'm a bit surprised that the Nuvis doesn't blow the Escape hybrid's fuel economy numbers out of the water (Water was the design influence of the Nuvis).

Nonetheless, Hyundai's increasing focus on hybrid cars is very encouraging.

Make today's hybrids lithium hybrids

Put lithium inside it

Auto sales are tanking and an auto industry recovery is many years away. Sales of hybrid vehicles have been crushed. However, the new Honda Insight and the 2010 Toyota Prius appear as if they could bring some recovery to hybrid sales, thanks to pricing competition.

Still, without a spike in gas prices, most Americans will continue to shy away from these fuel efficiency focused vehicles despite cheaper pricing. Thus, many, such as AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson, have called for a gas tax to help incentivize interest in fuel economy, while creating funding for fuel efficient tax credits.

With or without gas tax funding, it seems to me that a new tax credit should be created to incentivize the use of lithium batteries in conventional hybrids, thereby solidifying the use of lithium in the auto industry. Moreover, many of these hybrids can inevitably and quite easily be converted into plug-in hybrids as lithium costs are reduced - A123Sytems, an American battery company, has already proven this. So make a tax credit for that as well.

I know such an idea is heresy to many in the plug-in movement, whom believe it's plug-in or nothing, but shell-shocked consumers, numerous consumer surveys, energy prices, etc. paint a different picture. Especially in these economic times, we need to walk before we run, and millions of lithium hybrid cars per year can be a huge step in the right direction.

Chrysler and A123: Great Green PR but......

A Chrysler EV at the LA auto show

I'm out of shape. Yet, yesterday I finished a concrete patio that required thousands of pounds of ready mix - hand mixed 90# bag by 90# bag.

So, if I'm more cynical that usual, it's only because I'm hurting.

Still, when I read about the Chrysler / A123 partnership on EV batteries, I couldn't help but think, GREENWASH.

Already, President Obama's task force has stated that the Chevy Volt really can't help GM's bottom line any time soon. In fact, the Volt might not be profitable for at least another decade or more.

On the other hand, the task force is less than 30 days from forcing Chrysler into bankruptcy if they don't merge with Fiat. So, can EVs really be expected to help Chrysler's bottomline sooner than GM's?

Who cares? Green press is good - even if it isn't realistic - and this announcement is especially good. It's two US companies. So, it isn't just Chrysler auto jobs, but also high tech battery jobs - perfect for Obama's green, high tech, clean energy plans.

Sounds great. It has grant and government loan written all over it, which is fine. I love A123Systems. Still, if gas prices aren't sustainably doubled, at least, in the next few years, the idea that lithium will make help make Chrysler viable in the next decade is pure fantasy.

Is lithium polymer the key to hybrids and EVs?

Hyundai's hybrid weapon?

A couple of years ago, when it was speculated that Toyota would use lithium in the third generation Prius, I thought the world of hybrid cars was ready to explode. Unfortunately, Toyota chose the safe and reliable path and stuck with NiMH.

Since then, there has been a lot of talk about lithium chemistry's, and which one is better. Is it lithium cobalt, phosphorous, magnesium, etc?

At the LA Auto Show, Hyundai said it was lithium polymer.

Today, Technology Review has a pretty interesting piece on Seeo, Inc. and their latest use of "thin films of polymer as the electrolyte and high-energy-density, light-weight electrodes" which result in "safer, longer-lasting, lighter, and cheaper" batteries.

While some critics maintain that polymer electrolytes are not feasible for quick charge hybrids because of low ionic conductivity, the fact that Hyundai seems prepared to bet its hybrid future on related technology is quite interesting.

The General has no lithium supply fears

Lithium supply will not limit EVs

Every company always has to put their best foot forward. To do otherwise, often times, would lead to the end of your business. So companies often wear rose-colored glasses when projecting their business viability forward.

Nonetheless, it was noteworthy today that in a Volt battery update conference, GM stated bluntly that lithium supply constraints would not hamper the Volt, nor the electrification of the automobile.

MIT Breakthrough - Instant plug-in charging

The key to charging in minutes rather than several hours?

MIT scientists have figured out a way to "charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours" using conventional battery technology, which could enable not just much quicker charging, but lighter batteries.

While the breakthrough could be commercially available in two to three years, typical homeowners may not have enough power available to utilize the breakthrough via home charging. Likewise, manufacturing costs would also have to be reduced in order to be applicable to automobiles.

MIT via InsideLine

Enough lithium to plug-in America?

No shortages for at least 10 years?

Read a pretty interesting lithium article this weekend regarding how Bolivia plans to develop its lithium mining industry - something essential to the development of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

Most notable is the fact that Bolivia doesn't just want to mine lithium, the country also wants to build batteries and maybe even some of the cars that Bolivian lithium will go into producing. Thus, any partnership Bolivia develops for lithium mining, might also have to include battery plants in the country as well - something which could significantly increase partnership costs, in addition to export costs.

In terms of lithium supply Brian Jaskula, a U.S. Geological Survey commodity analyst states, "Everything I've been hearing from the producers and industry consultants indicates there won't be any shortage for the next 10-15 years."

Foreign lithium dependence, here we come

All about South America

As automakers move towards the electrification of the automobile, there is still one issue that has not been fully resolved. From where will the lithium come?

America has a little. China has quite a bit, but the majority of it is in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. In fact, the most significant supply is in Bolivia where, according to recent reports, the socialist, anti-American government is "keeping foreigners at bay."

While many believe these markets will eventually open up, to whom will they be open? Anyone? Only the highest bidders? Everyone but the US?

Also, most of the lithium mines in the world are not yet capable of wide-scale mining. Will it all be easy to mine? Will new, expensive mining methods be required? How quickly can lithium mining be scaled up to meet growing demand?

What if lithium and, therefore, lithium batteries, cost much more than automakers are anticipating?

Many automakers are rushing to put a lot of eggs in lithium - as they have no real investment in NiMH - yet I can't help but wonder, have they really thought this through? Is the use of lithium going to occur at a much slower pace than many are expecting?

If so, Toyota's NiMH investment could be one its smartest moves ever. And, with Honda recently stepping up its NiMH investment, it's hard not to wonder if US automakers have again missed the boat.

5,000 Ford plug-in hybrids per year in 2012

A plug-in hybrid at HybridFest

Ford and Johnson Controls-Saft have agreed to a 5 year partnership where Johnson Controls will provide lithium batteries, as well as "mechanical, electrical, electronic and thermal components" for Ford's plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The first plug-in hybrids developed under the partnership will hit the road in 2012 and the partnership has a goal of producing 5000 PHEVs per year.

In addition to plug-in hybrids, Ford also plans to increase its output of hybrid cars, and bring a few electric vehicles to market in 2010 and 2011, but Johnson Controls is not the supplier for those products.

EnerDel ready to power millions of American hybrids. Will US automakers be ready?

1.2 Million HEV battery packs per year by 2015

EnerDel, has applied for $480 million in low-interest loans under the $25-billion Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program, which is administered by the US Department of Energy.

If EnerDel receives the funding, the company plans to produce enough lithium battery packs to produce 600,000 hybrid vehicles per year by 2011. By 2015, that production would double to 1.2 million hybrid vehicles.

Sounds great, right?

Since batteries could be the key to the survival of the US auto industry, building profitable battery manufacturing capacity in the US is obviously vital. Yet, enough batteries for 600,000 hybrid vehicles by 2011?

Is that realistic?

200,000 hybrid vehicles per each of the Big 3, per year? Not one US automaker even seems close to such a number, especially at today's gas prices.

In the past, EnerDel has indicated that its battery packs could power 10 hybrid vehicles or 1 EV, so maybe that is where EnerDel is hedging their bets.

Nonetheless, if America wants to be a player in the battery-powered world of the future, isn't creating a serious, robust demand for battery powered vehicles in America the first step? Hence, isn't cheap gas a battery manufacturing killer?

$1 billion to kick start the US battery industry?

Is it already too late for a US battery industry?

3M and Johnson Controls have joined a consortium of 14 US technology companies, called the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture, which is seeking $1 billion in aid from the US government to help develop advanced batteries for hybrid and electric cars.

Argonne National Lab is advising the alliance on how to bring lithium technology, much of it invented into the US, back into US manufacturing according to the Wall Street Journal.

With many calling batteries the new oil, such an effort should be no surprise. Still, while much of this battery technology was first developed in the US, few US companies have found battery manufacturing to be profitable, largely because most electronic devices are made in Asia. It is hoped, however, that since the US still has a large auto manufacturing sector - at least for now - manufacturing auto batteries could be different, and profitable.

Honda, GS Yuasa form hybrid battery partnership

Eventually lithium powered?

Honda and GS Yuasa will "establish a joint venture company which will manufacture, sell and conduct R&D for high-power lithium-ion batteries with a central focus on applications in hybrid electric vehicles," according to GreenCarCongress.

While Honda might be a laggard on plug-in vehicles, it has aggressively increased its efforts into hybrid vehicles.

Still, Honda continues to develop electric cars as well, as the Honda Clarity is powered by an electric drivetrain. Thus, it seems that Honda will be quite capable of adapting to the electric vehicle market when it matures into full scale mass production.

Yet, Honda's interim plans for fuel economy will not suffer if EV adoption is slow, unlike many other automakers. Since, you can make a lot more hybrids than EVs with the same supply of batteries, Honda could flood the market with cheap hybrids as the issues of electrification are worked through without hurting EV development.

Lithium breakthroughs just around the corner?

Who can make the best lithium anode

Interesting article in Technology Review regarding new techniques for developing lithium-ion batteries - breakthroughs that could instantly double the range of battery-powered vehicles. A number of researchers have been working on developing cost-effective ways of creating nanoporous silicon electrodes, with positive results, although many still believe that mass-production of such materials would be too cost-prohibitive for use in autos.

Still, while nanoporous silicon might not be the next big thing in batteries, most researchers believe that there is still a lot of potential to tap into when it comes to lithium batteries. Unlike the NiMH batteries powering today's hybrid cars, the upside potential of lithium batteries is still huge.

Interestingly, another piece of research cited in the report was the "impressive" work that GM demonstrated in September using silicon-coated carbon fibers in their lithium anodes.

Too much hope built on hybrids?

Not another fuel cell vehicle

The hydrogen economy. For decades that was Detroit's mantra. Why worry about trying to increase fuel economy when gas was cheap and fuel cell vehicles were just around the corner, they argued. After decades of delays, the success of the Toyota Prius, and battery development breakthroughs, most have come to favor the plug-in revolution, rather than the hydrogen revolution. While hydrogen might make sense one day, battery-powered electrification makes more sense today.

But does plug-in electrification make enough sense today?

No one has yet proven that the safe, reliable and cost-effective mass production of battery technology for plug-ins is viable. Likewise, most lithium is mined in only a few places in the world, and there is much potential for supply and demand conflicts. Current NiMH technology, found in today's hybrid vehicles, is even more problematic for wide scale adoption.

None of this should be used as an excuse to limit efforts towards electrification. However, it does beg the question of whether electrification is enough, at least for today. Hence, isn't a push towards much smaller and lighter vehicles, for instance, also very important? Ultimately, shouldn't the revolution of the automobile be about much more than just what powers an automobile?

3rd Gen Prius will NEVER use lithium?

NiMH-only until fourth gen Prius?

Due to costs and reliability concerns, Toyota has decided that the third generation Prius will never use lithium-ion batteries during its lifetime. Instead, the third generation of the Hybrid Synergy Drive will continue to use NiMH batteries - at least for the Prius - until at least the fourth generation Prius according to an unconfirmed report.

Toyota, according to the report, still plans to use lithium in the future. Also, Toyota has hinted at the possibility of lithium-powered Lexus hybrid vehicles. Thus, considering the production increases expected for the 2010 Prius, perhaps it's just not the right platform to validate lithium technology.

10 percent EV by 2016, or 100 percent hybrid?

Bigger impact: $19,000 hybrid or $30,000 plug-in?

A while back I was reading about how EnerDel was increasing its battery producing capabilities in expectation of some new lithium-ion contracts. Essentially, EnerDel will have the ability to produce enough batteries for 45,000 electric vehicles per year, or 450,000 hybrid electric vehicles. For weeks now, these numbers have been churning in my head.

Then, on the eve of the LA Auto Show, Nissan CEO Carol Ghosn told CNBC that he believed that by 2016, the combined auto industry would be able to make 10 percent of the US fleet electric.

Well, using those EnerDel numbers, if there are enough batteries to convert 10 percent of conventional vehicles into electric vehicles, then there would be enough batteries to convert 100 percent of conventional vehicles into hybrid vehicles.

Which path is more productive? Are some automakers focusing on EVs because it delays a fast, massive change, while offseting the fuel economy of CAFE-killing guzzlers?

Isn't a Volt delay inevitable?

All about the battery

GM is on life support. Without government money, bankruptcy is inevitable. Yet, GM has made it clear that not only is work on Chevy Volt development ongoing, but that more resources and money are being put into the Volt - the icon of GM's future.

Still, the most critical element of the Volt's success - the lithium-ion battery - is dependent upon technologies not wholly owned by GM. Ultimately, the battery supplier is almost just as important as anything GM is doing.

Isn't it, therefore, reasonable to assume that Volt suppliers might proceed cautiously and slowly until the viability of GM is guaranteed?

Lithium questions continue for plug-ins

Shortages, costs and environmental concerns

Even before the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicles hit the road, questions continue to mount regarding the viability of lithium to power these new vehicles. Some have questioned lithium supplies. Some have questioned long term costs.

Essentially, if demand outpaces supply for many years, economies of scale won't bring lithium costs down. Instead, the competition for these supplies might increase the costs of lithium batteries. And it isn't just cars, but a rapidly growing electronics industry is also sucking up these supplies. Some are already speculating that lithium will lead to significant political tensions between South America and the US.

And, lately, environmental concerns have also been raised. Check out CNET's latest article for more.

With Sanyo, Panasonic dominates hybrid batteries

Panasonic to acquire Sanyo

Today, Panasonic develops batteries for Toyota's hybrid cars. Tomorrow, it will also develop batteries for the hybrids of Ford, Honda, and VW with its acquisition of Sanyo.

"The top officials of the two companies have also agreed in their meeting that Sanyo’s management independence will be respected, said the sources, adding the corporate and brand names will be maintained...Panasonic would secure a dominant global market share in the lithium-ion battery business and would obtain the photovoltaic cell business by acquiring Sanyo."

Source: GreenCarCongress

LG Chem picked as Volt battery supplier

A123Systems still in it?

According to a number of sources, GM has picked LG Chem and Compact Power to develop the lithium-ion batteries for the Chevy Volt, although GM is not officially confirming this report.

Nonetheless, the same sources also report that GM will continue to work with A123Systems on future battery developments. Apparently, the Volt deal might not be purely about technology either, but the willingness of suppliers to share warranty costs.

Furthermore, a majority of the Volt prototypes currently use LG Chem batteries and GM has been happy with those batteries thus far.

A123Systems and the perfect hybrid battery

Made in America

About a month ago, when Chrysler announced its new plug-in vehicles, it seemed hard to believe that Chrysler might be as close to plug-ins as GM and the Chevy Volt. But there are now a few tantalizing details about the batteries powering Chrysler's ENVI, or electric drive initiative, vehicles that should spark any hybrid fan's interest.

Chrysler's batteries were developed in coordination with GE under a DOE grant, and the batteries took a slightly different path than other lithium batteries, using two chemistry's rather than one - one for power and one for energy.

Along with $55 million dollars, GCG is reporting GE has also conveyed this battery research to A123Systems, a company of which GE now owns 9 percent. Aside from providing batteries for many Toyota Prius conversions, A123 also developed lithium batteries for Volt testing.

This dual lithium chemistry could be the key to the widespread concerns regarding lithium longevity, especially in hybrid cars. Hopefully, this isn't just pre-IPO hype.

2010: Hyundai hybrids finally come to US

Will be Hyundai's first full hybrid

In 2010, Hyundai will finally begin selling hybrid cars in the US. The Hyundai Sonata is scheduled to be the first hybrid to hit US shores.

More interesting, Hyundai plans to sell the Sonata hybrid as a lithium-powered hybrid vehicle that should increase fuel economy by 70 percent. LG Chem will provide the batteries.

Hyundai plans to sell 50,000 Sonata hybrids in the first year, but the automaker wants to quickly ramp up hybrid production to 500,000 hybrids - including other hybrid models - per year by 2018 according to AutoWeek.

Lithium fantasies power plug-in hybrids?

Hymotion lithium battery pack in Prius

Tien Duong of the U.S. Department of Energy told a conference at the ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY that costs and life of lithium batteries are still a major obstacle to cost-effective plug-in hybrid vehicles.

"Life means 10 years, plus. For hybrids we know (their batteries) last 10 years plus. For the PHEV (plug-in electric vehicle), we don't know," Duong said.

"One of the phenomenons that cuts short the life of the battery is power. You may have a lot of energy, but if you run out of power, that's no good," he said.

2 battery packs for every Volt

Battery replacements in the warranty

Thus far, whenever GM discusses the ongoing lithium ion battery tests for the Chevy Volt, it's all sunshine. Yet, GM is also assuming that many Volts will need to have their lithium battery packs replaced while under warranty. But, no worries, lithium costs will quickly come down, at least that's GM's position, but is GM assuming too much, or demonstrating bold leadership?

Finish: 2 battery packs for every Volt

Lithium: The right gamble?

Or too big of a bet?

Today, Toyota is dominating the the hybrid scene, and while Toyota is moving towards lithium, it's also moving beyond lithium - at least in the lab. Then again, lithium has yet to make its way out of the lab. So, does that mean anything? And, like Toyota, Honda will also embrace NiMH technology as lithium is developed.

While most other automakers will also roll out some NiMH-powered hybrid vehicles, none have offered nearly as aggressive hybrid production numbers as Honda or Toyota - not until lithium.

Just a decade ago, most automakers didn't want to embrace hybrids or electric vehicles, as fuel cell vehicles - the next big thing then - were just around the corner. Isn't this lithium or bust mentality the same kind of eggs in one basket mind set that has US automakers struggling for survival?

More Fed involvement on hybrid and EV batteries?

Hymotion lithium-ion battery pack from A123Systems

An organization affiliated with the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is working with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co and other Japanese companies to develop common standards for the lithium-ion batteries that will soon power various types of hybrid cars and electric vehicles.

Together with the Tokyo Electric Power Co the organization is hoping to "come up with a draft of the standards covering testing and charging methods, vehicle safety and other areas," according to recent reports, which the group hopes to pitch to the International Organization for Standardization.

Considering the costs associated with oil dependency, especially foreign dependency recently, should the government be taking a far more active role in the electrification of the automobile?

Is McCain's battery prize really that dumb?

And the X-Prize was worth only $10 million

When I first heard of John McCain's battery prize and tax credit for EVs, I wasn't impressed. I wanted tax credits for today's hybrid vehicles. Others, such as Cars.com have called it hype, and the DetroitNews even called it dumb. Barrack Obama called it a gimmick.

Ironically, Obama has ethanol contests planned, and I'm pretty confident there isn't a bigger "gimmick" than corn-based ethanol.

Still, the X-Prize inspired many to risk lives to achieve back-to-back suborbital space flights that many claimed impossible - all for just $10 million. For a small start-up, the potential of a $300 million dollar prize could be quite alluring. And, let's be honest, the US auto industry has been stuck in the box for decades, such a battery prize could help a small company compete against this in-the-box mentality.

Granted, a battery prize is not comprehensive energy policy - not by a moonshot - but isn't a little competition better than just the handouts that have gotten us nowhere in the past?

Hybrid battery competition simmering

But it won't boil until 2010?

It seems every few weeks there is a new battery announcement regarding hybrid cars. Samsung and Bosch have announced the latest joint venture on batteries for hybrid vehicles according to Yahoo. While exciting for fans of the electrification of the automobile, this venture, like most hybrid battery ventures, won't fully be rolling until 2010. Yes, the hybrid revolution is growing, but it still won't really heat up until at least 2010, when battery competition for hybrids finally boils over.

US automakers bent over a hybrid battery?

A couple of GM lithium-ion battery packs

So, Toyota can't keep up with hybrid demand because of a lack of battery packs. GM's mild hybrid vehicles have suffered sluggish sales due to a battery malfunction, and GM still has yet to finalize battery technology for the Chevy Volt. When it comes to the future of the automobile, batteries are becoming the key technology.

By next year, Toyota could be close to producing a million hybrid vehicles per year. Honda, the second biggest hybrid producer, is hoping to sell a couple hundred thousand hybrids per year. Every other automaker is talking tens of thousands of hybrids, if any at all, and some automakers seem pinned to lithium-ion technology.

Now, lithium might be the future for hybrids and electric vehicles, but that future might still be at least 5 years away from mass-production viability, unless Toyota gets there first. However, if Toyota is selling a million hybrids, or more, per year by next year, can US automakers afford to wait several more years before truly taking on Toyota's hybrids?

EnerDel lithium batteries test well in Prius

Ready to power the hybrid revoltuion?

EnerDel has been testing it's 1.1 kWh lithium-ion pack with the help of Argonne Labs. The current test simply replaces the NiMH battery pack of a Toyota Prius with EnerDel's 1.1 kWH battery pack, and the results have been fantastic: 77.41 mpg in urban driving. Basically, the lithium battery offers twice as much power as the NiMH battery, wider states of charge, less internal resistance and more charge. Thus, the lithium battery can be half the size and weight of a NiMH battery while offering the same power, and even better performance, according to EnerDel. Most important, their battery will cost significantly less than a comparable NiMH battery.

While the batteries are being tested on conventional hybrid vehicles, the batteries also offer potential for plug-in hybrid vehicles as well.

Chevy Volt is GM's number one priority

Still planned for November 2010

Frank Weber, Global Vehicle Line Executive of the Chevy Volt, told a group of reporters today that the Volt was now GM's "number one priority", and that "several hundred engineers are now feverishly working on this project."

To prove the point, reporters were shown the Chevy Volt that has been road tested for the last 6 months with NiMH batteries, as the first lithium-ion battery packs underwent lab testing. By the end of April, however, the same road-tested Volt will be fitted with lithium-ion batteries, and by June there will be about a dozen lithium-powered Volts undergoing every type of testing imaginable.

Finish: Chevy Volt is GM's number one priority

Lithium shortage to kill next gen hybrids?

Not a chance!

So, last night I was nursing a glass of wine while discussing why the Chevy Volt should or should not be called a hybrid vehicle with some GM Volt engineers and David Vieau, President and CEO of A123Systems - one of GM's Volt battery partners. Eventually, that conversation ended and I started asking David a bunch of questions about lithium batteries.

Finish: Lithium shortage to kill next gen hybrids?

Hybrid Revolution: Do mild hybrids hold the key?

Mild hybrids on steroids

There has been a lot of talk in the auto world regarding lithium-powered mild hybrid vehicles for some time. Multiple automakers have been discussing prototypes and concepts designed around such potential drivetrains for months.

BAM! Then, BMW kicked it up a notch with the debut of the BMW X5 lithium-powered mild hybrid.

BAM! A couple of short weeks later, Finish reading....

Mercedes first to lithium hybrids?

Coming to America in late 2009?

In the third quarter of 2009, Mercedes-Benz is planning to begin selling the lithium-powered Mercedes S400 hybrid vehicle. The 3.5 liter V6 gasoline electric hybrid should achieve almost 30 mpg, and it could be the first mass-produced lithium-powered hybrid.

Sometime thereafter, Mercedes will also launch a lithium powered diesel hybrid, the S300 Bluetec hybrid, a 2.2 liter twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel hybrid that is expected to achieve more than 43 mpg.

According to AutoWeek, Mercedes-Benz has will control the thermodynamics of lithium "by integrating the lithium-ion batteries directly into the cooling system of the car to allow them to operate at an optimum temperature of between 59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Mercedes says it has been working on the underlying technology since 1992, creating 25 patents in the process.

"What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry," says Thomas Weber, head of Mercedes-Benz research and development."

Mercedes - the future king of hybrid cars?

LiNiN: The future for hybrid vehicles?

A perfect car for LiNiN?

New research coming out of Europe "compared the performance of Li-ion batteries made with negative electrodes composed of lithium nickel nitride (LiNiN) to conventional Li-ion batteries containing conventional carbonaceous anodes. They found that the new materials are more efficient than the conventional electrodes and less likely to overheat."

No word on cost-effectiveness, etc. Still, LiNiN batteries offer the potential of increased energy capacity at lower voltages, an important factor for hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles, because it makes managing unintended thermodynamic events easier. So, hopefully the research pans out into something marketable.

A Prius shortage caused by lithium?

How could Toyota let there be a shortage of hybrids?

If hybrid cars are the future, one would assume selling as many hybrids as soon as possible would be smart because it's the quickest path to economies of scale. Some even argue it's the best path to lithium and plug-in hybrids as well.

So, why is Toyota claiming that a Toyota Prius shortage is possible?

Could it be lithium? Is lithium forcing NiMH battery manufacturers to scale back their NiMH manufacturing in favor of lithium-ion research and development? Believe it or not, but has Toyota actually perfected the lithium battery for the third generation Toyota Prius and the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive? Read more.....

Has Chevron stalled hybrid and electric vehicles?

Does Chevron make NiMH licensing for hybrids too hard?

Who killed the electric car? GM did when it sold its stake in NiMH battery patents to Chevron many conspiracy theorists claim. Are they right?

Would there be many more hybrid vehicles today if not for Chevron? Read more.....

Johnson Controls-Saft opens lithium battery plant for automobiles

Johnson batteries will power this Mercedes soon

Hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles hold great promise to those wanting to combat global warming and foreign oil dependency. Of course, there just aren't many lithium batteries being produced these days for use in automobiles, and that's a problem.

Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions has taken a small step towards addressing that issue by opening a new lithium battery plant in France as the company prepares to start making lithium batteries for automakers such as Mercedes. (more)

Is a lithium shortage possible?

Time to rethink hybrid chemistry?

"Lithium batteries are being touted as a way forward for electric cars, but according to William Tahil, director of research for Meridian International Research this could result in the world's lithium supply drying up really fast.

In his newly released white paper entitled, "The Trouble with Lithium", he points out that the vast majority of world's supply of lithium carbonate, is only found in China, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. He estimates total world lithium metal reserves at just 6,200,000 metric tons."

Lithium revolution still years away?

Even mild hybrids will use lithium

In 2008 Continental Automotive will begin series production of lithium-ion battery packs, which is good news since Continental is one of the suppliers of the Chevy Volt. Still, Continental is only planning on producing a few thousand battery packs.

"It will not be a hundred thousand units a year," stated CEO Manfred Wennmer recently,"but certainly a few thousand.... This is the battery of the future: for both full- and mild-, as well as plug-in hybrid drive and pure electric cars."

While it's great news to hear that some companies are beginning to scale towards the mass production of lithium battery packs, it's also a reminder that the lithium revolution is still, minimally, several years away from wide scale reality.

Hybrid cars: Is plugging in always the best option?

A great highway car?

In the past I have claimed the best hybrid cars are plug-in hybrid vehicles, and to a great extent, I still believe this to be the case, particularly if those PHEVs receive their electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power.

Nonetheless, are PHEVs in danger of being over-hyped, at the expense of other technologies? Read more.....

Hyundai picks LG Chem for hybrid batteries

Hyundai hybrids in 2009

When Hyundai begins mass-producing hybrid vehicles in 2009, it appears that some, or all, of those hybrids will be made using lithium-ion batteries produced by LG Chem. LG Chem is also producing batteries for GM's Chevy Volt.

New York City to add 850 hybrid buses

Give us your hybrids

New York City awarded Daimler with a contract for 850 new hybrid buses. The Orion VII Next Generation diesel-electric hybrid transit buses, powered by BAE Systems' Hybri Drive® diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, will be delivered by 2010.

Likewise, the city of Ottawa also ordered 202 buses.

According to Daimler, "Compared to standard diesel propulsion, these hybrid buses deliver up to 30 percent better fuel economy while greatly reducing emissions: 90 percent less particulate matter, 40 percent less NOx and 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases. Drivers and riders enjoy a quieter, cleaner and smoother ride."

Interestingly, a number of these hybrid vehicles will utilize lithium-ion battery technology

Ener1 says its lithium batteries ready before 2009

"That the Lithium-ion battery is the Holy Grail is now a given"

Ener1 told Fox News yesterday that its lithium-ion batteries will be ready to be incorporated into hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles by the end of 2008.

"Our batteries have already been tested by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, which is General Motors, Ford and Chrysler," Charles Gassenheimer, chairman of Ener1, Inc. told viewers of the Fox morning broadcast "CEO Corner." "We are the only battery company today using this Lithium-ion technology, which has met or exceeded all of the Big Three's requirements, especially and most importantly best-in-class in safety."

Interestingly, Mr. Gassenheimer also claimed that NiMH batteries simply are not, will not, every really be cost-effective, whereas lithium will be incredibly cost-effective.

Maybe it was the battery that really did kill (stall) the electric car?

Toshiba wants a chunk of the hybrid market

A future hybrid vehicle battery

In March 2008, Toshiba will launch the SCiB, or Super Charge ion Battery, that can recharge to 90 percent in less than 5 minutes. According to Toshiba the battery will last more than 10 years, even under the harshest conditions. Toshiba is planning on selling these batteries for use in hybrid cars and, eventually, electric vehicles.

The Chevy Volt takes another baby step towards reality

Enough batteries for 2 Volts

GM, in theory, now has the ability to develop two fully operational Chevy Volt prototypes, as that is now how many batteries GM currently has in its possession. Recently, Compact Power delivered its 2nd battery to GM. A123Systems should soon be delivering its first battery to GM as well.

At the LA Auto Show, Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for the Volt and the E Flex Drive, told me that GM would have a few fully functional Volts by the end of the first quarter of 2008. However, in a separate interview, Denise Gray, director of battery technology, confirmed that such a date would be difficult to achieve, but that her team was committed to making it happen. Finish....

Epoch - The Holy Grail of Lithium?

Valence's Epoch battery

"Branded Epoch™, Valence believes its new generation of phosphate-based lithium-ion battery systems will move the electric vehicle industry one step closer to the Holy Grail – finding a battery solution that is safe, intelligent, lasts longer and weighs less than outdated technologies being used today. Epoch batteries are equipped with an advanced management system that will monitor and adjust cell performance so battery packs will always operate at their optimum performance capacity. Epoch batteries present a safe, powerful and reliable energy solution designed to be low maintenance, cost competitive and environmentally friendly."

Obviously, there are other important issues to battery success, such as cost. Additionally, press releases often are used more as a financing tool, rather than a sales tool. Nonetheless, as the race to the next generation of batteries continues, it is only inevitable before significantly better and cheaper batteries power next generation hybrid cars, plug-in vehicles, electric cars and even fuel cell vehicles.

Is the Chevy Volt "miles ahead" of the Prius?

This Prius by Hybrids-Plus achieves more than 100 mpg, today

I just finished reading David Kiley's BW article, GM's Plug-In Push, which opens, "General Motors is developing a plug-in hybrid technology for its Chevy Volt that is miles ahead of Toyota and Honda."

Really?

I heard the same such sentiment several months ago regarding GM's hybrid vehicles, which many have called more advanced and more sophisticated than Toyota's hybrids such as the Prius. Perhaps, but still I have asked, what are the costs of GM's technology, will it be sold in a package that consumers want at a price they are willing to pay? (Finish)

Lithium: The secret weapon of the auto industry?

Bob Lutz stands next to the Volt at its debut at NAIAS

"Lithium battery technology is being husbanded in Japan. It's like a secret weapon," GM's Bob Lutz recently told reporters at a meeting of the Western Automotive Journalists association. Thus, many Japanese companies would not bid on the battery contract for the Chevy Volt.

Mr. Lutz also criticized the U.S. government for not being as aggressive as the the Japanese government with advanced batteries. Of course, maybe the government could criticize GM and US automakers for not being as aggressive as Japanese automakers on hybrid cars.

In addition to slamming the government, Lutz also attacked CAFE, calling a gas tax a more sensible approach to reducing fuel consumption. Also, even though Lutz defended ethanol, he did admit that corn-based ethanol has some problems and he stated that cellulosic ethanol was needed.

RED-LION - Are reduced-cost lithium-ion batteries achievable?

Cheaper. lighter, more efficient hybrid batteries

There is no doubt that once lithium-ion batteries are proven safe and as cost-effective as NiMH batteries, the hybrid revolution will truly begin. Conventional hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, will be cheaper and more fuel efficient, and new hybrids, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles, will enable many commuters to bypass gasoline altogether.

Cheaper lithium-ion batteries are the focus of Ricardo's Red-Lion project.

"The specific objective of the Reduced cost Li-Ion (RED-LION) project is to demonstrate the application of new Li-Ion cell chemistry in a hybrid vehicle battery with an estimated production cost of one-third that of conventional battery technologies and around half the weight. If successful, this breakthrough technology could make hybrid and electric vehicles commercially more attractive and hence make a significant impact on global CO2 emissions."

(Via Ricardo, Inc Press Release)

Time to jump start the hydrogen highway?

A fuel cell vehicle being filled with hydrogen

$10 - $15 billion. Sounds like a huge sum of money, doesn't it? Too much for the government to jump start the hydrogen highway, right?

Well, let's add a little perspective.

In 2006, ethanol subsidies reached $8 billion dollars, and within 10 years those subsidies could reach $25 billion per year (more). Even ethanol subsidies, however, are chump change. (Finish: Hydrogen Highway)

LG Chem delivers first Chevy Volt batteries to GM

Fully-powered prototypes soon to be tested

On Tuesday, GM took delivery of the first lithium-ion batteries produced for the Chevy Volt. GM will immediately start initial testing the batteries delivered by LG Chem. Additionally, the company will also be receiving lithium-ion batteries form A123Systems in December.

Few new details were released, and GM has not confirmed its final plans for final Volt production, however, GM's Bob Lutz did confirm that he would like to see 60,000 - 100,000 vehicles in production per year as soon as the vehicle launches in late 2010.

(Source: AutoObserver)

EnerDel updates electric vehicle battery portfolio

Preparing for investor meetings

EnerDel has updated its lithium battery plans for upcoming investor meetings. EnerDel plans to develop two types of lithium-ion batteries for automobile use. High power batteries will be used for hybrid vehicles, and high energy batteries for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

According to Green Car Congress, "Ener1 is using two different sets of electrode materials for each type. In the HEV batteries, the company is using a lithium manganese spinel (LiMn₂O₄-spinel, LMO) for its cathode material, and a lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, LTO) for the anode material. The energy batteries (PHEV and EV) are based on a layered lithium metal oxide cathode—LiNiCoMnO₂—and a hard-carbon anode."

A plug-in Prius never in the works?

Will the Prius ever be a plug-in hybrid?

There have been a lot of interesting comments coming out of the Tokyo Auto Show regarding hybrid cars. In an earlier post, I wrote that Toyota finally confirmed that the Prius would be powered by a NiMH battery, rather than a lithium battery.

Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto told reporters that "the next-generation Prius won't need a lithium-ion battery because the nickel-metal hydride battery it has now is well-suited for the car. Instead, the next Prius can offer better mileage by improving its motor and other parts."

Yet, Takimoto made a few other interesting comments regarding lithium and the Prius that makes me wonder, was the Prius ever intended as a lithium plug-in hybrid? (Finish: Plug-in Prius)

Toyota confirms 3rd generation Prius plans

Better battery, better software, better price

When Toyota moved from the first generation Prius to the second generation Prius, increased power and fuel economy was achieved. Most of this increase was accomplished by software and by a smaller and lighter battery pack, according to Toyota.

Expect the same for the 3rd generation Prius. (Finish)

A123Systems aquires more money for Volt battery

$30 million round of funding completed

A123Systems acquired $30 million to continue the development of its patent-pending lithium-ion battery technology which could play a big role in the future success of hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles.

Already, A123Systems has a contract with GM to develop batteries for the Chevy Volt plug-in, as well as other E-Flex platform vehicles, of which the Volt is just one variation, one iteration. Thus, If A123 is successful, the future looks, well A+, so I'm sure obtaining funding isn't that hard.

Advanced Battery Technologies moves to AMEX

Electric vehicle integration by Advanced Battery Technologies

Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. has now been approved for listing on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX"), under the symbol GBT. Those shares will begin trading on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.

Applications for Advanced Battery Technologies lithium-ion batteries have included electric cars, which also makes their batteries possible candidates for hybrid cars and other plug-in hybrid vehicles. Thus, hopefully, the move to the AMEX indicates the potential of their batteries for such applications has increased.

Lithium hybrids: Dangerous or expensive?

Is the race to the first plug-in hybrid just a PR exercise?

When GM signed an agreement with A123Systems to develop lithium batteries for the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid, Bob Lutz claimed the move gave GM the lead over Toyota to be the first to market with plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

While the GM faithful filled the blogosphere with their 'the Toyota Prius is dead rants', I could only be amused.

Hymotion, owned by A123Systems, has converted numerous Toyota Prius hybrids into plug-in hybrids that achieve more than 100 mpg. So, if GM's lithium battery partner can convert the Prius into a plug-in hybrid, why can't Toyota? Or, is something else going on?

Finish: Lithium hybrids: Dangerous or expensive

What is taking lithium so long?

Lithium: Good enough for Mars but not the streets of America?

According to NASA and JPL, lithium-ion batteries have proven to be extremely reliable and effective, and these batteries have helped the Mars Rover far exceed the expectations of many Rover engineers.

Entrepreneurs and backyard mechanics have converted conventional vehicles in to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid vehicles without the massive R&D budgets of the major automakers. Yet, all of the major automakers are years away from mass-producing lithium powered automobiles.

What's the problem? Does it all boil down to cost? Or, is it a lack of focus and innovation?

According to the History Channel, South Korea is expected to dominate lithium battery production in the very near future. Why?

Is America's poor education system, in particular, its lack of focus on science, math and engineering finally catching up to its ability to research and to develop new technologies? Does lithium, or the lack thereof, demonstrate the decline of the American Empire?

Does GM have a lithium advantage with hybrids?

GM's hybrid ace?

I'm a huge hybrid advocate, obviously, which also means I've been a huge critic of American automakers because they just don't have much to offer when it comes to hybrid vehicles. Additionally, there won't be a full American hybrid car for, for who knows how long - it's all hybrid SUVs.

Certainly, the Ford Escape hybrid, the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid are all significant improvements upon their conventional counterparts, but how about some hybrid cars?

To date, the biggest hybrid car news coming from Detroit has been the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid. Unfortunately......Finish: Does GM have a lithium advantage with hybrid vehicles

Toyota's lithium contradictions and the third generation Prius

Will it be lithium powered?

Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota's top guy, has been very bullish regarding lithium batteries and their ability to power Toyota's hybrid cars. He was even quoted by BusinessWeek a few months ago confirming that lithium batteries were ready for Toyota's hybrids.

Shortly thereafter, however, rumors emerged from Japan claiming that lithium would be delayed, and multiple Toyota executives have seemed to confirm these rumors. Earlier this week Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota's research and development chief, for example, claimed that Toyota's Third Generation Hybrid Synergy drive had not been delayed, however, Okamoto also made it seem as if the next gen Prius would not utilize lithium.

Likewise, regarding lithium batteries, ...Finish: Lithium contradictions and the third generation Prius

Europe's Volt: The Opel Flextreme

Almost next-gen Prius-like?

I was pretty sick yesterday, yet when I saw this new Opel Flextreme hybrid concept yesterday, I felt a little better. Of course, then I realized this was GM's take on a Flex Drive car for Europe, not America, and I felt sick again.

OK, all kidding aside, I like this Opel hybrid far better than the Chevy Volt - America's Flex Drive concept car. Sure it kind of resembles Toyota's next generation hybrids, but it also resembles GM's fuel cell vehicles.

More important, however, can GM make the flex drive work?

Bob Lutz has been claiming that GM will beat Toyota to market with lithium powered vehicles by as much as one year. I say that's a bold prediction. Will those lithium hybrids be cost-effective? Will there be a very limited first production? Will a secondary lease on the battery scare buyers away? Could a premature rush to market result in an accident?

When GM doesn't yet have a fully functional Volt, or other flex drive vehicle, it seems odd to predict a sale date when the vehicle cannot even be road-tested for safety.

Ohhh, the hype is just starting.

I get the feeling that GM and Toyota are heading into a PR war of major proportions, and that's O.K. because this P.R. war will have to follow up with results. That means the chances for consumers to buy 100 mpg hybrid vehicles early in the next decade are looking good. With such hype, anything less will be seen as failure.

Lithium powered mild hybrids - Are they worthy?

Lithium powered full hybrid concept, Toyota's FT-HS

Everyone knows the future of hybrid cars and electric cars seems absolutely dependent upon cost-effective, reliable and safe lithium-ion batteries. Without such batteries, forget the Chevy Volt, forget a 100 mpg Prius, forget plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Obviously, however, if li-on batteries are successful, the entire automotive world will be turned upside down and change forever.

Nonetheless, even if lithium achieves reliability and safety, it might take a bit longer to achieve cost-effectiveness. Yet, small lithium-ion batteries are cost-effectively successful in power tools, phones and, usually, notebook computers.

Thus, might not small lithium battery packs be the next best step for hybrid vehicles? For example, might - dare I say it - lithium be perfect for mild hybrid vehicles? Additionally, small battery packs for mild hybrids might, initially, be safer and more reliable because mild hybrids aren't as battery-dependant as full hybrids.

Consequently, couldn't such mild hybrids significantly help increase the mass production of lithium batteries enough to help scale down the cost of such batteries for all hybrid and electric vehicles?

Vans, trucks and buses: The first phase of the plug-in revolution?

Dodge and Johnson Controls ready to test plug-in hybrid vehicles

When it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles, it all comes down to the battery. Unfortunately, the lithium-ion batteries used in plug-in hybrid vehicles can be quite large - taking up valuable trunk space, etc.

Johnson Controls think they have a good near term solution for functional plug-in hybrid vehicles on which to test their lithium batteries. According to Johnson Controls, the Dodge Sprinter van is "an ideal vehicle to carry a large battery pack and still have ample room readily accessible for use as a delivery vehicle."

"Advanced battery technology is the single most important enabler in making all types of electric vehicles practical," says Mary Ann Wright, who leads the JCS joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business.. "Plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will benefit from Lithium-ion technology. Johnson Controls-Saft is determined to deliver state-of-the-art batteries to power advanced, environmentally friendly vehicles."

Testing lithium technology on such vehicles provides not only a great testing environment for a plethora of real world driving conditions, it should also help perfect lithium chemistry until it can be squeezed into even the smallest hybrid cars and electric vehicles.

Sounds like a perfect fit for the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express, school buses and on and on, let's hope the technology finds its way into these fleets as soon as possible.

Toyota "bemused" by hybrid delay rumors

Third generation Prius still on track?

"We've been very interested to note stories in The Wall Street Journal over the past couple of days purporting that the introduction of a next-generation Prius has been delayed because of the slow pace of development of lithium-ion batteries," writes Irv Miller, Group Vice President, Toyota Corporate Communications, according to Car&Driver.

"For that matter, we've not shared much information about a next-generation Prius, since--like most companies operating in a highly competitive market--we don't talk explicitly about future product. And we've not discussed the type of battery that any hypothetical next-generation version of Hybrid Synergy Drive might use."

HMMMM!???? That isn't exactly true. Toyota CEO Katsuaki Watanbe, claimed that lithium batteries were ready for the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, at least according to Business Week. Watanbe's statement was not a rumor from a reliable, but unconfirmed source, it was a direct quote.

Nonetheless, Miller's press release does seem to conclusively confirm that lithium batteries are not yet ready for primetime in Toyota hybrid vehicles - at least not until Toyota can guarantee those batteries for 150,000 miles. Thus, the real question is, can Toyota achieve that kind of battery guarantee by late 2008 or early 2009 - the rumored launch of the third generation Prius?

Then again, was the speculated 2009 launch date ever more than a rumor?

Delayed: Another rumor regarding Toyota's lithium Prius, hybrids

No 100 mpg Prius anytime soon?

Waiting for the third generation Toyota Prius? Well, rumors of its delay keep hitting the press.

"Toyota has decided to delay by one to two years the launches of new high-mileage hybrids with lithium-ion battery technology because of potential safety problems, the Wall Street Journal reported," according to Car&Driver.

"Toyota was preparing to roll out a dozen new and redesigned hybrids using new lithium-ion battery technology in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010. This rollout schedule is on hold, according to Toyota executives knowledgeable about the company's hybrid-product plans for the U.S. market, the WSJ said."

Still, its not all bad news regarding hybrid cars and the 2008 Toyota Prius. For those whom have felt the Prius was a little too expensive, the base 2008 Prius will be priced lower, at $20,950.

Volt road ready this Spring?

Still, a long way to go

GM's Bob Lutz is a spin-master.

“I think that our No. 1 competitor has some problems with their technology, and I do think that it very definitely opens a window of opportunity for us to be first to market with a genuine plug-in hybrid,” Bob Lutz said at an automotive industry conference in Traverse City where the battery deal was announced.

While I believe that GM might offer the first "genuine plug-in hybrid", GM is also facing serious problems. For example, the Chevy Volt is still just a concept. It won't be road-ready - for testing - until the Spring of 2008, at the earliest. Additionally, if GM does produce the Volt by the end of 2010, as planned, the costs are expected to be very high. Thus, GM is considering a plan to sell Chevy Volts with optional battery leases to help make the cars a little more cost-effective.

But, back to Toyota's problems. Finish Volt road ready by this Spring