The Hybrid Car News Magazine

Top news inHybrid Car Batteries

Envia Battery Yields 'World Record' Energy Density

A Silicon Valley start-up called Envia Systems says it has a lithium-ion battery prototype that within three years could power 300 mile-per-charge electric cars that cost between $25,000-$30,000. Sounds too good to be true? Thus, it probably is? Maybe, and if so, it wouldn't be the first time. If desired, doubters may stop reading here, but optimists or others at least curious can read on (and check out the company's announcement linked below). The story comes via Gigaom.com, which says among believers betting on this new energy horse are GM Ventures, which has invested $7 million in the company, and the U.S. Department of Energy which invested $4 million to see it hit the 400 watt-hour per kilogram target. And this Envia has done, it says, adding that its prototype lithium-ion battery is around three years away from automotive production.

Threat of Rare Earths Shortages to Hybrids and EVs Remains Unclear

According to a recently-released Department of Energy report, several clean energy technologies—including electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles—are at risk due to the “critical risk” posed by short-term supply disruptions in the rare earth elements market.

University of Colorado Seeks to Train Tomorrow's Electric Vehicle Designers

Last week, the University of Colorado announced one of the first programs to offer EV-specific master's certification, under its College of Engineering and Applied Science.