A key challenge to better electric vehicles, including an effective Plug-In Hybrid, is the development of better batteries. Government financing and focus in stepping in. In both Japan and the United States, recent announcements highlight this government role.
Thanks to Green Car Congress for the following tips:
- The Department of Energy will provide up to $14 million in funding for a $28 million cost-shared solicitation by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery development. This research aims to find solutions to improving battery performance so vehicles can deliver up to 40 miles of electric range without recharging. This would include most roundtrip daily commutes.
- The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) seeks to cut battery costs by 85% by 2015 and to have a battery capable of supporting a 300 mile trip on one battery charge. Electric vehicles are a core part of METI’s New National Energy Strategy. And check out the METI perspective on what is required in new batteries.
It looks to be that, on an ever accelerating pace, governments and industry are working together to make PHEVs a reality for the average car buyer.
Don’t forget to recycle batteries at your local collection point.