Sony to make batteries for electric cars


13 Jul 2011

There has been much buzz about electric vehicles in recent years, and now it seems electronics giant Sony wants in on this potentially lucrative market, too.

Earlier this week, Sony announced it will begin making lithium-ion batteries specifically for electric cars and hybrids “from the middle of this decade”.

A Sony representative said the company expects demand for such batteries to grow hugely in the years to come, adding Sony is ready to build dedicated plants in Japan and elsewhere, if necessary. Although details are scare, a first battery prototype for electric vehicles shown to the press this week measures 257mm x 182mm and apparently boasts a long life.

According to reports in various Japanese newspapers from today, Sony has already started offering its batteries to major electric-car makers in Japan and elsewhere.