Li-Ion Batteries Move To Forefront

Bosch has announced that it will develop high-performance lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles. The Li-ion research and development effort joins the company's existing hybrid power train research unit. Together, the research facilities will focus on the development of hybrid-electric and electric vehicle drive trains.

In addition, the company says that 40 percent of its R and D efforts are focused on technologies that improve fuel efficiency or cut CO2 emissions. The company expects to see double-digit growth in the sales of these technologies in 2008 and projects that these technologies will account for revenues of €1.2 billion in 2010.

Both Volkswagen and Nissan also indicated last week that they had partnered with eletronics manufacturers to develop li-ion vehicle batteries. Continental and LG Chem already have advanced Li-ion batteries in the testing phase for use with the Chevy Volt. The ability to provide a safe, lightweight-yet-powerful Li-ion battery is central to most manufacturers' hybrid electric and electric vehicle programs. Current nickel-metal hydride battery formulations do not provide enough power and battery life to support conventionally equipped vehicles.

With the renewed focus on Li-ion batteries, the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association recently proposed new guidelines for testing Li-ion batteries for performance and safety. The proposed guidelines would replace current tests contained in the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria, which were designed to test small Li-ion batteries used in portable electronics. The new testing guidelines include evaluation rubrics for automotive battery packs.

Source: Automotive Industry News
Photo: Courtesy of Bosch