Japanese Electric Cars Pushing Range

04/12/96

Reuters reported that both Honda and Toyota will use advanced technology nickel-metal hydride batteries as they break into the electric car market. The big three U.S. carmakers are all in the market along with the Japanese carmakers, but all of them are sticking with conventional lead-acid batteries. The nickel-metal hydride batteries will increase driving range beyond what lead-acid batteries are capable of. Range will be an extremely important issue among consumers because of the time it takes to charge batteries and the scarcity of charging facilities. Both Honda and Toyota have plans to put their electric vehicles on the market in the next year or two.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel