Volkswagen and Chinese battery and auto maker BYD signed MoU to explore the options for partnership in the area of hybrids and electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries.
In addition to Volkswagen, BYD is also talking to Ford Motor and another European auto maker about similar arrangements, reported Wall Street Journal.
While lithium-ion batteries are seen as the technology that will ultimately power most plug-in cars, their successful use has been hindered by relatively high price, limited durability and safety concerns. BYD claims it has largely resolved those issues by turning to a safer, more cost-effective technology called iron-phosphate-based lithium-ion technology.
Last year, Audi entered into cooperation with Sanyo on the development of lithium-ion technology, claiming that the new battery technology would be ready for use by 2012.
Ulrich Hackenberg, executive board member for technical development of Volkswagen, said: "Hybrids and electric vehicles will play an increasingly important role. Particularly for the Chinese market, potential partners such as BYD could support us in quickly expanding our activities."
Source : Automotive Business Review, by a staff reporter, May 26th, 2009
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire