Japanese auto giant Toyota Motors’ decision to say no to using lithium-ion technology based batteries comes as a surprise to both consumers and the battery manufacture Sony Corporations. The battery, much touted as the symbol of next generation hybrid energy technology is now to give place to nickel metal hydride batteries.
The decision by the Toyota management against using lithium-ion technology loaded batteries for its upcoming next generation of hybrids vehicles such as the Prius is said to be based on the questions of reliability. The announcement is looked as a big loss for Sony and its much hyped technical edge over other players of the industry. Few months back top laptop manufacture Dell had cancelled its lithium-ion battery deal with Sony after reported blasts in laptops. Now Sony has to really look in to the technology and make it trust worthy.
Toyota’s decision to continue with nickel metal hydride batteries already in use, means that its new generation fuel synthesis car Prius won’t be getting the immense boost in gas mileage as being expected by the consumers.
However, Toyota’s pronouncement is a new opportunity for its archrival General Motors. GM lags well behind the Japanese auto producer in hybrid technology. But, it expects to take over Toyota with the launch of its Saturn Vue Green Line in 2009 that would boasts a two-mode hybrid crossover vehicle with plug-in capability.
Via: Wired
