Battery Breakthrough for EVs

EnerDel says tests by the DOE's Argonne National Laboratory confirm that its lithium ion batteries provide longer life and more power than today's hybrid batteries.

According to the company, a modified plug-in Prius attained more than 77 miles per gallon when the nickel metal hydride batteries were replaced by EnerDel's battery pack. The company is using lithium-titanate in its cathode to prevent over heating, which was a problem with previous iterations of lithium ion batteries.

EnerDel says the advances allow the batteries needed to power a hybrid to be reduced in size and weight by half.

Why this matters: Plug-in and extended range vehicle makers are waiting until they are confident in the battery technology before going into production. EnerDel, which has a deal to provide batteries with EV maker Think of Norway, could find many willing customers.

Read more at Edmunds' Green Car Advisor