Automakers testing both large- and small-format battery cells in today's electric cars

AutoBlog Green 15 December 2010

Toyota, Daimler and BMW have all turned to the laptop battery cell technology utilized by Tesla in the Roadster to power at least one of their electric car models. For Toyota, the laptop-style cells will find a home in the automaker's limited test fleet of battery-powered RAV4s. Daimler has chosen to power its Smart ForTwo Electric Drive and Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell with the small, cylinder-shaped cells while BMW outfitted its Mini E prototype with the Tesla Roadster-like power supply. Judging by these inclusions, it could be argued that the small-format cell pack is the way to go with electric vehicles.

But wait. BMW's upcoming Megacity and ActiveE electrics will forego the laptop-style cells in favor of large-format ones provided by SB LiMotive. Additionally, Toyota has not committed to a single battery type for its mass-produced electric vehicles and will try out large-format units on the upcoming plug-in Prius and iQ-based battery electric and even Daimler has enlisted the help of Evonik to develop large format cells for use in the company's future EVs.   Read more.