Toshiba, Mitsubishi Motors Developing Electric Car Batteries

[Right Lane Cruiser]

"For auto makers, the common stance is to secure at least two battery suppliers."

Sean Welch - CleanMPG - July 2, 2010

All the big players are getting into the game... who will dominate?

Toshiba said Friday it is jointly developing car battery systems with Mitsubishi, and hopes to eventually supply rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for Mitsubishi electric cars.

Toshiba said the companies have been working together for a year on battery systems containing its "super-charge ion battery," or SCiB, for use in electric cars, citing the battery's long life and recharging speed.

For auto makers, securing access to high-quality and cost-effective rechargeable batteries is crucial for success in the burgeoning market for electric vehicles. Electronics companies have been retooling to meet this demand.

Battery suppliers like Toshiba are seeking major clients and forming joint ventures with auto makers.

Last year, Panasonic purchased Sanyo, the second leading manufacturer of HEV batteries. This occured even though Panasonic leads the industry in NiMH Battery production supplying Toyota’s entire lineup of HEVs. Sanyo supplies batteries to both Honda and Ford.

[JusBringIt]

The SciB battery boasts a charge up to 90% capacity in FIVE minutes, minimal capacity loss after 6000 charge/recharge cycles and apparently still holds up fine at -30deg C. Looks like Mitsubishi will be bringing some good stuff to the table.