Toyota considering metal-air batteries for next generation hybrids

Toyota LogoToyota is set to launch its first lithium ion battery-powered hybrids in 2009, but it is already undergoing R&D for the next generation of batteries in search for battery technology with capabilities beyond what lithium ion battery technology can offer.

One of the technologies being researched are metal-air batteries. Typical metals used in metal-air batteries include zinc or aluminium, with zinc being the most popular one by far, a popular choice to power hearing aids.

Metal-air batteries have often been compared to fuel cells in terms of operation. The anode is pure metal, and the cathode is a supply of air, which is pretty much considered inexhaustible. Water is used as a catalyst. There are also lithium air batteries and carbon air batteries being researched.

Please refer to the links below for more information on metal-air batteries.

Related Links:
Wikipedia: Zinc-air battery
ESA: Meta-Air Battery
Batteries Digest: Metal Air Batteries, Half a Fuel Cell?

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Capt Shopalot (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:50 am

    Hopefully there will be more efficient & eco-friendly battery in the future

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  • azrai (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    Yes. More R&D.

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  • mokkf82 (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Good research. But all this only implement at other countries except M’sia. They would not do this unless local cars get any advantages from it. I’m not being negetive minded but gov only implement something which brings benifits to them and not loose. Taxing on electronic cars will be one of it, i believe.

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  • adil2008 (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    yeah, it good, after that no “black oil” demand for the market, no more demand from the market, let those who make the crude oil price up investor drink it all by them self, because the OPEC is not cooperate with the consumer to control the price, after that, thye need to paid what they earn.
    Good idea from Japnese car maker, especially Toyota & Honda, well done. I will only support the japanese car.

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  • adil2008 (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm

    It look good for all around the world, no we need to paid the higher price for those “Speculator”, if the R&D is sucessful, let those OPEC member drink the oil by them self, includ of “Boleh Land”.
    Falsing is not the good way to solve the problem, only can me worse. “minumlah minyak mentah sendiri, rasa sedap di hati”.

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  • mokkf82 (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    Good R&D but i don’t think M’sia gov will be bringing this ideal unless proton has any benifit of it. Most of all i think there will be another tax reason for it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mzfnd (Member) on Jun 13, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    The world is running out of fuel. Hybrid or electric is the way to go. Either that or we drive Flintstone style… yabbadabadooo!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • rexis (Member) on Jun 14, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Finally, some considerable car maker is paying attention on solid air batteries.

    It should be made as full electric car rather then hybrid.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • rexis (Member) on Jun 14, 2008 at 8:59 am

    Finally, some big guys is considering solid air battery!

    It should be made into full electric rather then just hybrid.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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