Panasonic develops high-capacity battery for EVs

Panasonic Corp has developed more powerful batteries for use in everything from laptops to electric vehicles, the Japanese electronics maker said today.

The new lithium-ion batteries are 20 per cent to 30 per cent more powerful than current batteries, according to Osaka-based Panasonic.

They can raise the cruising range of electric vehicles (EVs) on a single charge from 200 km to about 270 km, it said.

Major auto makers around the world are developing electric and plug-in vehicles, intensifying the race to produce better lithium-ion batteries. Demand is expected to grow for their use in such vehicles, not just laptops and other gadgets.

Panasonic has a joint venture with Toyota Motor Corp that supplies batteries for hybrid cars, including the Prius and plug-in models.

But, Panasonic said it was now in talks with about 10 auto makers to supply the new battery, underlining the breakdown of such tie-ups involving batteries for green autos.

Panasonic has also just taken majority control of Japanese rival Sanyo Electric Co, which also boasts lithium-ion battery technology. Sanyo supplies batteries to Volkswagen AG of Germany.

With fears growing about global warming, Panasonic is banking on the efforts of governments, including the US and Europe, to curb emissions.