Media reports reveal that Panasonic Corp. has developed a technology that binds together standard lithium-ion batteries (such as those used in laptops) to power electric vehicles (EVs). Panasonic thinks the new technology could enable the company to manufacture EV batteries at half the cost of lithium-ion batteries that are developed solely for electric cars, since existing battery plants and production expertise can be drawn upon.
Panasonic hopes to commercialize the battery within four years, but is declining to speculate on sales targets. The new batteries could also theoretically be used in homes to store electricity generated by solar panels and fuel cells.
