Breakthrough in Lithium Ion Battery Technology to Revolutionise the Plug in Hybrid...

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:00am EST

Breakthrough in Lithium Ion Battery Technology to Revolutionise the Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Market

DUBLIN, Ireland--(Business Wire)--Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c80638) has announced the
addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report: Global Market Analysis of
Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles to their offering.

   This Frost & Sullivan research titled Global Market Analysis of
Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles offers a comprehensive overview of
market restraints, drivers and challenges, coupled with strategic
recommendations for plug in hybrid electric vehicles. Technology
roadmaps, adoption timescales, market size and forecasts, detailed
breakdown by regions and OEMs, together with product portfolio and
competitive analysis for plug in hybrids are also provided.

   Market Overview

   Breakthrough in Lithium Ion Battery Technology to Revolutionise
the PHEV Market

   Benefits offered by various environmental and governmental
legislations, regulations and utilities paralleled by partial zero
emissions are boosting the prospects of plug in hybrid electric
vehicles (PHEVs). The ability to cut operating costs - estimated at
nearly 75 cents/gallon - thereby resolving the steep increase in oil
prices is also poised to drive the global market for plug in hybrid
and fuel cell electric vehicles. Accordingly, the market for PHEVs is
set to transform from being a niche segment to becoming more
mainstream, with major vehicle manufacturers focusing their efforts on
advancing this technology. PHEVs will emerge as a major solution by
limiting greenhouse gas emissions and depleting fossil fuel sources.
Experts have identified plug in hybrid technology as being critical to
achieve sustainable mobility.

   Breakthroughs in lithium ion battery technology are set to
revolutionise the PHEV market. "Vehicle manufacturers have agreed that
lithium ion battery technology is the most viable to ensure the
effective performance of PHEVs in the market," explains the analyst of
this research. "Issues related to battery size, temperature
management, reliability, durability, material and production costs
will, however, pose hurdles in the implementation of this technology."
Therefore, suppliers should focus on innovative research and
development in order to overcome these challenges and optimise battery
performance. To this end, battery suppliers and vehicle manufacturers
should work in tandem.

   Co-operative Endeavours of Battery Suppliers, Vehicle
Manufacturers and Governmental Authorities Crucial to Sustaining
Market Expansion

   The global market for PHEVs is estimated to reach 130,000 vehicles
by 2015. North America will emerge as a strong market for PHEVs due to
the high uptake rates for hybrid drives. In general, strict emission
norms and pressure from environmental advocates will be the principal
factors motivating EOMs to adopt plug in hybrids. Europe and Japan are
anticipated to witness more restrained introduction of PHEVs
initially, and be influenced by the success of plug ins in North
America.

   However, the high cost of PHEVs and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs),
primarily due to battery and fuel cell stacks, is increasing the price
gap between PHEVs and FCVs on one side and conventional vehicles on
the other. In addition, the lack of advancement in battery technology
to promote the commercialisation of plug in and fuel cell hybrids
poses a challenge to market expansion. Achieving economies of scale
will also be a critical concern that needs to be addressed. "Vehicle
manufacturers should join hands with promotional organisations to push
for governmental incentives to accelerate the commercialisation of
plug in hybrid technology," advises the analyst. "Moreover, vehicle
manufacturers should tie up with battery suppliers and energy
utilities to develop and integrate the technology." Governments will
play a pivotal role in ensuring market expansion through the provision
of legislations, rebates and benefits.

   The following technologies are covered in this research:

   - Plug in hybrid electric vehicles

   - Lithium ion batteries

   For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c80638

Research and Markets
Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Fax: +353 1 4100 980
press@researchandmarkets.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008
Comments (0)
This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication.