The release of both the Lexus
RX400h hybrid and the Toyota
Highlander hybrid were delayed because of batteries.
Ford has stated that it would like to increase Escape
hybrid production, but it cannot acquire more nickel
metal hydride batteries.
Currently, hybrid vehicle battery manufacturing is limited to just 3 companies, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Cobasys. While each company is increasing production, each company is limited by the expensive and limited raw materials required for NiMH production.
Still, significant improvements have been made since the first Toyota Prius hit the streets in 1997 and battery weight has dropped almost 50%. Nonetheless, competition from the mobile phone industry could keep supply tight and cost high for some time.
If that were to change, the market for hybrid cars could change drastically. The cheaper and lighter batteries become, the cheaper and more fuel efficient hybrids become, and there is hope.
Lithium ion batteries offer great potential, but many analysts think that they are as much as a decade away from mass-production.
The future of hybrid vehicles isn't dependent upon lithium ion batteries - other solutions are being developed. If, however, a new battery solution is developed, the automobile industry, as we know it, will be over.
Currently, hybrid vehicle battery manufacturing is limited to just 3 companies, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Cobasys. While each company is increasing production, each company is limited by the expensive and limited raw materials required for NiMH production.
Still, significant improvements have been made since the first Toyota Prius hit the streets in 1997 and battery weight has dropped almost 50%. Nonetheless, competition from the mobile phone industry could keep supply tight and cost high for some time.
If that were to change, the market for hybrid cars could change drastically. The cheaper and lighter batteries become, the cheaper and more fuel efficient hybrids become, and there is hope.
Lithium ion batteries offer great potential, but many analysts think that they are as much as a decade away from mass-production.
The future of hybrid vehicles isn't dependent upon lithium ion batteries - other solutions are being developed. If, however, a new battery solution is developed, the automobile industry, as we know it, will be over.
