Toyota, BMW working on new auto-battery technology, sports vehicle, fuel-cells, composites

CP21714044
In this photo released by Toyota Motor Corp., Toyota President Akio Toyoda, left, shakes hands with BMW AG chief executive Norbert Reithofer during a signing ceremony to jointly develop next-generation batteries for green vehicles in Nagoya, central Japan, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. Toyota and BMW are working together on next-generation batteries for green vehicles called "lithium-air" as their collaboration, first announced in late 2011, moves ahead in fuel cells, sports vehicles and other fields. (AP Photo/Toyota Motor Corp.) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

TOKYO – Toyota Motor Corp. and BMW Group are working together on next-generation batteries for green vehicles called “lithium-air” as their collaboration, first announced in late 2011, moves ahead in fuel cells, sports vehicles and other fields.

BMW AG board member Herbert Diess told reporters Thursday the co-operation with the Japanese automaker will help both companies boost competitiveness in new technologies.

The automakers said they are aiming to complete a fuel-cell vehicle system by 2020, and a concept for a mid-size sports vehicle by the end of this year.

They will also work together on developing lightweight technologies such as composites, which will help make cars greener.

They will start joint research to develop a lithium-air battery, which will be more powerful than the current lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles