The automotive industry – more specifically, plug-in vehicles – will be the driving force for demand for lithium-ion batteries by 2015, surpass the laptop computers that today hold the top spot. That's according to a report from iSuppli, which states that lithium-ion's distinct advantages over other competing types of rechargeable battery chemistries will push it to the top in automotive applications. iSuppli says lithium-ion's lack of memory and availability in multiple shapes makes it a "particularly attractive" option for plug-in vehicles.
In a statement, Satoru Oyama, principal analyst of Japan electronics research for iSuppli, forecasted:
The last line is key and sure makes it seem that nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) is on its way out.Lithium-ion at present is much more expensive than alternative technologies, costing two to three times as much as sodium-sulfur, lead-acid and nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries. However, lithium-ion pricing will decline much more rapidly than the other technologies, coming close to cost parity in 2015, and then becoming the least expensive type of rechargeable battery in 2020.
