Toyota Searching for Post-Lithium-Ion Technology, Already
Technology du jour indeed. Lithium-ion batteries haven’t even hit the mass market yet and Toyota’s already looking beyond – post-li-ion technology. Remember that phrase. It’ll become tomorrow’s coin-phrase, like, say, today’s eco-friendly.
Toyota said its goal is to produce a battery with a range of 50 miles on a single charge from a home outlet. Toyota plans to commercialize the technology – if things go right – by 2020, according to Japan’s Nikkan Kogyo newspaper.
The automaker has not confirmed the details reported, but Toyota has already outlined its plan to have a hybrid variant of each of its models by 2020. Toyota’s currently the leader in hybrid vehicles, so it would be no surprise for it to beat out the competition in the next-generation of battery technology.
The Japanese newspaper reported that air-zinc chemistry is a possible battery technology. Currently, air-zinc batteries are used in small devices like hearing aids. It also reported that Toyota will establish a new research group in June dedicated to dabbling with air-zinc technology, according to Automotive News. So, be on the lookout for a new battery technology in the near future, and then the next.
+ Automotive News: Toyota working on post-lithium ion battery technology
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Comments
Scratch
Good for them. Every manufacturer ought to be doing this. Li-ion is pretty good, but a truly practical EV needs something more.
john
Why is everyone setting a goal for only 50mi? Isn't the Tesla roadster getting over 200mi?
detroit9000
"post-li-ion technology. Remember that phrase. It’ll become tomorrow’s coin-phrase, like, say, today’s eco-friendly."
No it won't.
Josh
yeah, so Toyota will be able to go 50 miles from a home outlet...in 2020. GM claims they will will be able to to 40 miles from a home outlet...in 2010. Something doesn't add up there, or Toyota really isn't aiming for the stars (or GM is full of it).
Hulkster
So what is the difference if you pay for gas at the pump or pay for electricity for charging you car?
You still spending money... What gives?
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