ev battery

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) is to start producing lithium-ion battery prototypes for electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage by 2015.

"There are only a handful of lithium-ion battery manufacturers on a global level. We're currently conducting research on producing a prototype for the local market and possibly export,” said MAI chief executive officer Madani Sahari.

German carmaker Audi is to introduce a dual 12V/48V electrical architecture to future ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.

The 48V system features a lithium-ion battery and a DC/DC converter to integrate the 12V electrical system. The alternator achieves an energy recovery output of 10kW, adding up to a saving of up to 10g/km CO₂, according to Audi.

British Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has selected the University of Warwick, UK, as hub location for research and development of low carbon propulsion systems.

The £1 billion research centre will be located on campus at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), a division of the University focused on low carbon mobility, including energy storage and battery testing. APC is to invest up to £200m in projects this year.

The US Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC) has awarded $7.7m to California-based Envia Systems for an electric vehicle (EV) battery technology project.

The three-year project is focused on the development of high-energy lithium-ion layered-layered cathode and silicon-based anode material for EV applications. The goal of the research programme is to develop an energy storage system that supports the commercialisation of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles.

Toyota’s fourth-generation Prius will give the option between a lithium-ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride unit, Toyota revealed in an interview with Automotive News.

"The batteries will be renewed. Everything will be revised. And I think we will come up with a fuel economy that will surprise everyone,” said Koei Saga, senior managing officer at Toyota.