Driving the lithium charge

摘要

WITH NICKEL PRICES doubling in less than a year (a metal used for current hybrid car batteries - see IM July '08, p.56) and the latest consensus estimating another decade before fuel cells are financially viable (see IM May '08, p.44), major carmakers and battery manufacturers are looking into lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. Li bandwagon Most majority carmakers have announced plans for fast-tracking three major types of Li-ion powered cars. The three types are: electric only (charged at home or at charging stations), hybrid vehicles (a vehicle that uses petrol) and plug-in hybrids (a vehicle that uses petrol with the option of charging).