News Round-up: Hyundai Goes Hybrid & Battery Business

Hybrid Battery Leasing to Ease Worries - If you've held off buying a hybrid because you just don't want to deal with battery woes down the road, there's good news ahead. Seems that two companies are currently working on battery lease plans: Think Car USA and Project Better Place. In its simplest form: you own the car, they own the battery. And apparently other major manufacturers are taking a serious look at similar plans--Nissan is reportedly considering leasing batteries when their plug-in hybrid vehicles are available in 2012, according to a recent USA Today article. It's all about easing consumer anxiety regarding battery life and replacement cost issues.

While the price of automotive-worthy lithium-ion batteries is going to be salty, companies like Compact Power, a supplier working with GM on its Chevrolet Volt plug-in, say that battery leasing prices can be compared to gas prices for a conventional car. In addition to peace of mind, another big advantage to leasing is that lithium-ion batteries have up to 80 percent of their useful life left when they're no longer able to be used in cars. That's when they can find a second life for other applications, like power back-ups.

Toyota Hybrid Battery Shortage - The high demand for hybrid vehicles is putting the crunch on battery supplies. "Hybrids are selling so well we are doing all we can to increase production," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, executive vice president of Toyota Motor, in an article from The International Herald Tribune. "We need new lines." While new lines cannot be added to increase production until 2009, Toyota does have plans in the works to strengthen the battery situation. They have entered into a joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial and have plans to produce next-generation lithium-ion batteries in 2009, with full-scale production slated for 2010. Toyota also announced plans to establish a battery research department this month. Its goal: to develop a state-of-the-art battery that can outperform the lithium-ion battery. And since they're planning to use lithium-ion batteries in their upcoming plug-ins, getting into the battery business is bound to pay off. This is in addition to Toyota's third plant that will be producing the nickel-metal hydride batteries that are currently used in their hybrids like the Camry Hybrid and Prius.

Hyundai Goes Hybrid - Next year is when Hyundai Motor Company plans to release the Elantra as a hybrid sedan in Korea. Known as the Avante hybrid, it is powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is a common and economical fuel in use in China, Australia and some European countries like Italy. A gasoline version of the hybrid is slater for later--2010, along with a fuel cell car in 2012. Exports are expected to begin as soon as 2010.

photo © Adrian Gable - Ford Escape hybrid badge