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There was a proof on concept Lithium Hybrid FEH at Hybrid Fest this year.

It was done by Johnson Controls in conjunction with a French battery company called SAFT.

From the flier I picked there was this website:

http://johnsoncontrols.com/technology/

I didn't find that link too useful, but I did find this blurb on this link:

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/power_solutions/Battery_Technology_Centers/AGM/Hybrid_Vehicle_Systems__Li-Ion__NiMH_.html

What research activities are being undertaken for this new technology?

Johnson Controls is actively committed to innovative battery technologies. To this end, we have set up a joint venture with the French battery producer Saft (Johnson Controls–Saft Advanced Power Solutions). The aim of the joint venture is to manufacture batteries for hybrid vehicles of the next generation that have a significantly lower weight and appreciably reduce petrol consumption. Thus we remain leaders in the research and development of new battery systems.

Talked with a Johnson Controls rep and he indicated that they drive from Milwaukee to Madison they got something like mid-40's MPG. At highway speed without using any FE techniques on a 65 MPH in a FE, that would be hard to do, so it would seem like this battery technology has some serious promise.

This vehicle or the technology wasn't for sale yet, but he did indicated they were trying to work with Ford.

I have a picture I took with my phone that I will try to get uploaded.

Thanks,
Bruce

Okay so I was able to upload the picture I took and put in my bruski1959 photo gallery, and it shows up in today's recent photos. I am putting a link to it in this forum thread.

Thanks,
Bruce

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/7577/cat/500/ppuser/2413

Nice find, Bruce. Lithium batteries are so much lighter, it will definitely improve milage, but it still appears to be uncertainty on the cost factor. It will be great day when vehicle reaches the showrooms!

A Detroit based Journalist--yes the one who won his division at the 2008 Hybrid Fest with his 2006 Escape--talked with Johnson Controls at the Detroit Auto Show and "later" posted a brief thread here: http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f26/phev-escape-notes-18614/

Since this is not an "official" announcement, it is, well an interesting topic to discuss. I would guess swapping out your old battery for a newer and improved version will occur in the not too distant future.