http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=apoyFp8LUpaU&refer=japan
South Korea Develops Lithium-Ion Batteries for Hybrid Cars
By Shinhye Kang
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- South Korea's government has developed a lithium-ion battery that will be used to power gasoline-electric hybrid cars produced by Hyundai Motor Co.
The government spent 39.3 billion won ($38 million) on the technology, the country's Ministry of Knowledge Economy said in an e-mailed statement today. Hyundai, South Korea's largest automaker, will use the batteries in a compact car to be sold from next year.
The government will also work with South Korean carmakers and battery manufacturers to develop technology that allows plug- in vehicles to be recharged at household electric outlets, the statement said, without giving further details.
Surging oil prices are boosting demand for fuel-efficient cars and trucks, intensifying competition for new technology. The U.S. Energy Department said last week it plans a $30 million program funding the development of plug-in electric vehicles, while Toyota Motor Corp., the world's largest maker of hybrid cars, said June 11 it plans to start mass-producing lithium-ion batteries in 2010.
Lithium-ion batteries, used to power mobile phones and laptop computers, are lighter and more powerful than the nickel- hydride units currently used in hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid cars use an electric motor for low-speed power, and a conventional gasoline engine that takes over as the car accelerates.
To contact the reporter on this story: Shinhye Kang in Seoul at [email protected];
- Forums
- ASX - By Stock
- AKE
- south korea joins the lithium battery race
south korea joins the lithium battery race
-
-
- There are more pages in this discussion • 1 more message in this thread...
You’re viewing a single post only. To view the entire thread just sign in or Join Now (FREE)