Second Generation Of Lithium-Ion Batteries!

I suppose modern car batteries are not as bad as their old counterparts, but they could use a hell of a lot of technological advancement. But here at the Geneva Motor Show, GM seems uber-confident that it’s on the right track.
The relentless pursuit to perfect lithium-ion batteries has put General Motors in the lead.
Officials from the General announced that the company has developed a second generation of lithium-ion batteries that will generate three times more power than the nickel-metal hydride (NIMH) batteries they’ll replace in all future GM hybrid research and production vehicles. The li-ion package is said to use up to 24 percent less space, weigh 40 percent less and deliver one-third more power than those NIMH batteries.

GM executives said here that they’ll eventually be in a position to manufacture well over 100,000 of the next-generation packs—per year—beginning in 2010. GM expects lithium-ion packs to offer boosts in fuel economy of up to 15-20 percent, depending on a vehicle’s size and shape, implementing the hybrid system currently offered in its Saturn Vue Green Line, Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicles.

And they’ll do it with a combination of technologies, including engine shutdown at traffic stops, larger electric motors for better performance, fuel shutoff on deceleration, greater levels of regenerative braking and, of course, pure electric propulsion.

Mercedes-Benz made a similar announcement just days earlier, touting its upcoming implementation of lithium-ion batteries in diesel hybrid systems in a large luxury car prototype called the S400 Hybrid.
You can soon find these if you look inside one of your newly bought hybrids.In my opinion it is a great step taken by GM and I do think plenty of additional research needs to be put in to it to make sure we continue in the right direction.This is a real succes!!