The
lithium-ion batteries ubiquitous in cell phones and laptops may find their way into hybrid powertrains in the next
decade.
Lithium-ion batteries have two to three times the energy density of the nickel-metal hydride
batteries currently used in hybrids, and they are cheaper to produce. Unfortunately, in automotive applications they
aren’t very safe – yet. (Remember the exploding cell phones?)
Sandia National Labs, funded by the U.S.
Department of Energy’s FreedomCAR program, is actively researching ways to make lithium-ion batteries safe and
cost-effective for automotive use. (A prototype Sandia battery is shown at right.) Although their first application is
likely to be in gas/electric hybrids, lithium-ion batteries will be a key component of fuel cell vehicles.
[via CNET]