Because nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd, the number of companies developing lithium batteries for hybrid vehicles is about to, shall we say, explode. Additions to the roster of those looking to develop a safe alternative to nickel metal hydride batteries include heavy hitter Johnson Controls, which just opened a new lithium ion lab near Milwaukee.
Similarly, Altairnano is expanding its Li-Ion battery research. Also on the scene is Hybrid Technologies, which has modified a Smart Car powered by Li-Ion polymer batteries developed by EaglePicher Kokam as a possible fleet vehicle for the U.S. government.
Of course these companies have to improve Li-Ion battery's safety issues and the problem of diminishing capacity over time. But with gas prices and interest in hybrids escalating, this is one area destined to heat up.
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