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The article focuses on the use of electric vehicles and the challenges in technology to support its development and application as a substitute to crude oil in the U.S. It states that battery used electric-based vehicles such as lithium ion packs less that one twenty fifth the energy of gasoline, which leads to short vehicle ranges. It cites that Superlattice Power has announced development of a cathode material design to increase the energy density of lithium batteries.

The article offers information on the lithium ion batteries used by the joint U.S.-French CALIPSO or Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation. The said batteries are expected to power the atmosphere-observing laser rangefinder, infrared imager, and wide-field camera. It is mentioned that nickel-cadmium batteries powered many of the early U.S. satellites.

The article discusses the development of Edge HySeries SUV, the world's first drivable fuel-cell plug in hybrid vehicle, by Ford Motor Co. in the U.S. The automobile's powertrain is powered by lithium-ion battery that reduces fuel cell consumption by 50 per cent. Information about its solid storage, performance and durability is provided.

The article reports on the new rules for domestic shipping of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries in the U.S. It states that the shipping is set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). It cites that DOT proposed some rules that contain changes to the hazardous materials regulations (HMR). An overview on the new rules is also presented. It notes that the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) request for an extension of 60 days to the comment period of DOT.

The article offers a look at the efforts to develop and mass produce lithium ion (Li-ion) battery for hybrid and electric vehicles. 18 German companies and academic organizations established the He-Lion partnership to accelerate the development and commercialization of Li-ion batteries. In the U.S., 14 lithium, battery and advanced materials companies formed the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture (NAATBatt) with the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory.

The article reports that the U.S. Army provides K2 Energy Solutions $119,000 for the development of BB-2590, considered a better rechargeable, high-power lithium-ion battery for military applications. BB-2590 can power rugged military devices like portable electronics. It is noted that K2 creates rechargeable battery systems for electric vehicles and energy storage purposes.

The article reports that a venture-capital-backed maker of lithium-ion batteries, A123Systems has filed for a $175 million initial public offering of stock on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the U.S. A123Systems was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from MIT. MIT claimed that its lithium iron phosphate cathode technology yields batteries that are safer and more durable than those used to power laptops and cellular phones. It revealed that it is targeting batteries for hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

The article cites a study by the U.S. National Research Council which examines the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership to develop hydrogen vehicle technology. The study reveals that durability and cost of fuel cells remain key barriers to a hydrogen automobile. Moreover, FreedomCAR looks for new materials and designs for membranes and membrane electrode assemblies and researching lower-cost lithium-ion materials to achieve production costs that are two times higher than the target. Details on the durability and cost of fuel cells are also considered.