VW to team up with Varta to develop advanced lithium-ion batteries

Volkswagen has announced that it is setting up a joint venture with Varta Microbattery GmbH to develop more powerful lithium-ion batteries for use in electric cars. The four-year project still needs approval from the German Cartel Office.

Volkswagen said that the projects main goal is continue further research and to develop lithium-ion batteries that would be more competitive in terms of technology and pricing.

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month, Volkswagen announced that it will launch its first electric car by 2013 based on the E-Up! concept. It plans on bringing a longer version of the E-Up! to the U.S. in the near future.

Volkswagen currently works with Toshiba, Sanyo and BYD for battery technology.

Volkswagen E-Up! Concept:

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters