More and more new-generation vehicles are using lithium batteries in an effort to cut down pollution levels, but could it be true that lithium batteries are as damaging to the environment as gasoline?

Yes, according to some experts on energy!

William Tahil, research director of Meridian International Research, an independent consultancy specializing in renewable energy, is not all that happy with lithium.

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Lithium ion batteries that are in the market today are already being hailed as major breakthroughs and are helping both the automobile industry as well as the electronic field in producing gadgets that are smaller, lighter and far more efficient than ever before.

But how about turning that up a couple of notches by creating cell phones that are fully charged in a matter of a few seconds and electric cars that can challenge an F1 vehicle for the top speed? As astounding as that sounds, the researchers at the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are moving ahead in that direction.

A couple of material experts at MIT have been in the process of designing a new Li-Ion cell that unlike traditional li-ion batteries, charge up faster and can even discharge energy in one single burst when needed. They’ve used a Lithium Phosphate coating to the existing batteries, the experts have succeeded in creating nano-scale tunnels for the swift movement of the electrons.

Considering that it’s just an enhancement to a technology that is already commercial, we’re expecting it to hit the market in the coming years.

Source: AFP
Image by kqedquest

Modern day electric cars and bikes are most often viewed by the vast majority as slow slugs that really are no match for the Ferraris and that Hayabusas on the road. But that perception of owning an electric car ‘just for the sake of the planet’ is being fast changed and Eliica is attempting to bring about that change with one radical blitz.

Designed by a team at Keio University in Japan and brainchild of Hiroshi Shimizu, the 8-wheeled all-electric car, powered by lithium-ion batteries intends to get past the 250 mph mark making it the fastest street-legal car on the planet; quite a step forward from the electric cars of the past that struggled to dish out 50mph!

Eliica’s eight wheels (Electric Lithium-Ion car) are not there just to make it look big. Along with superb aerodynamics that allows it to cut through air like a hot knife through butter, each wheel sports an 80hp electric motor which ensures that it does not dropdown on pace. This does not mean that the car is short on mileage though. It can currently dish out 200miles on a single charge with a top speed of 230mph.

That is something both revolutionary for electric vehicles and the planet, as it gives a great ad for green energy. However, the team of scientists are now seeking corporate financing to keep the project running.

Right now, there are two of these babies each priced at a whooping $320,000. Considering that this a zero-emission vehicle, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds, tops at 230mph and has a range of 200 miles, the price tag seems pretty justified. However, we can’t guarantee it will get you a date or something. [Eliica via EV World & Engadget]

Toyota Motor Corp is so far out in front of the pack when it comes to fuel-efficiency, that objects in the mirror really are smaller than they appear.

The company has set the standard for hybrid cars and the use of lithium-ion batteries but it’s not enough because they have a plan to launch a plug-in hybrid car with lithium-ion batteries within the next two years, which will far “outpeform” current lithium-ion batteries. The next-generation battery will be ready for commercial use by 2030.

A new research team created by Toyota will start with 50 engineers and double in size in about two years. Full scale production of lithium-ion batteries will start up next year and go full hybrid steam ahead by 2010.

Toyota is working in cahoots with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, which makes Panasonic brand products. Remember that 13,000-hour light bulb? And, who said Japan cannot be a leader on the world stage?

Image by aminorjourney