Development of a lithium-ion battery for moving vehicles

Hitachi developed the world's first lithium-ion battery for a HEV. What's more, vehicles like scooters and trains can be "hybridized" too-and everyone will be able to ride on them. In this way, through development of the lithium-ion battery, we are devoting ourselves on a daily basis to creating a future society in harmony with the environment.

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Part of this research was performed in collaboration with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Corporation (NEDO).

A 1: The key feature of the lithium-ion battery is that it can store more energy than that possible by other kinds of rechargeable batteries. As a result, it is finding widespread application as a power source for mobile phones and laptop computers. For application to moving vehicles, however, its output power must be further increased. Accordingly, we are in charge of developing materials with the superior ion-conduction property needed for boosting output power. As a development principle, we are always thinking, "what should be done to make ions move as quickly as possible" (such as performing analysis of solvation structure and conduction mechanism as well as performance prediction by calculation). Moreover, we are constantly talking with battery users directly and continually assessing our research direction.

A 2: The key point is the abundance of quality people and material resources. At this laboratory, there are many people with different academic backgrounds, so things can be looked at from many different viewpoints. From now onwards, lithium-ion batteries will be the favorite battery for application to HEVs, so collaboration between researchers from the field of railways and researchers from the fields of electronics, information, and machinery will be essential. At Hitachi Research Laboratory, such collaboration is possible. Furthermore, analysis facilities have been perfected and can be freely utilized, so they are extremely useful for elucidating complex phenomena. In addition, by opening up the laboratory for "cherry blossom viewing" parties and summer festivals as well as belonging to a fire-fighting team and various events, we can make time to relax and nurture lateral relationships. Those times are particularly enjoyable.

A 3: First, the best part of my research is the possibility that our research accomplishments will make the future brighter for us all. Lithium-ion batteries can reduce CO₂ emission and improve fuel consumption of HEVs and efficiently store energy generated by environmentally friendly means such as fuel cells, solar power, and wind power. Consequently, speaking ambitiously, if we could make a good enough battery, it would help to improve the global environment. The global environmental issues making headlines in the mass media can probably be steered towards solutions by our efforts. That being said, the lithium-ion battery is a developing market. As for my future dream, I would like to see the products that I am concerned with all over the streets. For example, while waiting at traffic lights, if I happen to see a car go by that is a product we helped make, I would be extremely happy.