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US Tech Firms Get Together on Car Battery

14 companies want $1B from feds to help catch Asian rivals

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Dec 18, 2008 7:52 AM CST

(Newser) – Fourteen US technology companies are joining forces to speed development of electric car batteries, asking for $1 billion in federal aid to help catch up with Asian firms that have a long lead, reports the Wall Street Journal. Electric vehicles are now considered so important to help wean the US from foreign oil that some are calling it a national security issue.

The pitch echoes a computer-chip industry effort 20 years ago that helped the US regain its edge in chip manufacturing. The advanced battery field is dominated by Asian companies, such as Panasonic, even though the technology was developed in the US, an energy-storage consultant tells the Journal—US companies opted out of production because of anticipated low returns.

The Dodge Zeo electric-only sport wagon concept car is displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Nissan's lithium-ion battery for their electric car is seen at the automaker's laboratory, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Chrysler Dodge EV, an Tesla-like all-electric sports car, is displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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US Tech Firms Get Together on Car Battery

14 companies want $1B from feds to help catch Asian rivals

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Two dozen cars destroyed, but batteries came through safely

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US Tech Firms Get Together on Car Battery

14 companies want $1B from feds to help catch Asian rivals

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

General Motors • Ford • electric cars • hybrid car • lithium ion batteries

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Automakers Pushing 'Connected' Cars

Gizmos proliferate amid concerns on distracted driving

GM Ready to Fix Your Volt

Dealers will shore up protection around battery to prevent fires

Tsunami Survivors: Nissan Leaf Batteries

Two dozen cars destroyed, but batteries came through safely

Car Sales Jumped 14% Last Month

Chrysler, VW saw huge gains

GM: We'll Buy Back Your Volt

CEO makes offer to those worried about fires

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?