Hitachi Designed World's Most Advanced Hybrid Battery

What's the main disadvantage when opting for a hybrid detrimental to gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles? You're right, the battery, but manufacturers around the world struggle to design more advanced battery packs that could last more and be recharged in no-time. Well, the guys at Hitachi have apparently found a solution as they claim they have developed the world's most powerful battery for hybrids with an output power of 4500 watts.

According to a report by mydigitallife.info, the lithium-ion battery will rely on 700 percent more charge density but, at the same time, will be 50 percent more durable compared to the existing hybrid battery solutions. Unfortunately, there are no pricing details at this point, but according to the Japanese firm, the new battery is expected to enter production next year.

A thing worth mentioning is that Hitachi is one of those who partnered with General Motors for the development of the popular GM Hybrid System debuted at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Just like the battery pack, GM's solution is expected to enter mass production in 2010.

Rick Wagoner, GM's CEO at that time, the American automaker initially planned to produce around 100,000 units per year starting with 2010 but given the current economic situation, the plans might be slightly different these days.

"In order to have a real impact in reducing oil consumption, oil imports, and CO2 emissions, advanced technologies must be affordable enough to drive high-volume applications," Wagoner said. "We plan to roll out this next-generation hybrid technology globally, across our brands and regions, starting in 2010 in North America, and we expect that volumes will eventually exceed 100,000 units annually."