Honda Hoping Nickel is Still Best

Honda President Takeo Fukui believes Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries just aren't ready, yet. So, the new 'global hybrid' economy car will debut with nickel metal hydride battery packs.

GM and Toyota have been working hard to get Li-Ion batteries on the road in their next generation of hybrid cars, especially in their plug-in cars. Since they weigh less and provide more, Li-Ion batteries will most likely take over for nickel, but there are still issues.

Despite mass production having started, it just goes to show not everyone is ready to move on.

Source: Fukui: Nickel battery is best bet for hybrid - Automotive News

"Lithium ion batteries are still not usable from our perspective," Fukui told Automotive News in an interview at Honda's Tokyo headquarters on Wednesday, March 19.

"In terms of reliability and durability, I must say there still remain some concerns," he said. "I don't think they are necessarily best suited for mass-produced vehicles."