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Sony has a “yen” for electric vehicles

Posted on 07. Dec, 2009 by nrossique in Uncategorized

Corporate powerhouse to invest 100 billion yen on EV batteries

Yet another corporate giant has thrown its hat into the electric vehicle fray, as Sony Corp. has announced its plans to begin manufacturing high-capacity lithium-ion batteries aimed at the EV segment.

It seems a natural for Sony because they already make a similar battery – just a lot smaller – for many of their current products, such as laptops and cell phones. Now, in an effort to expand their spectrum of services, they are committing 100 billion yen over the next several years for everything it takes to begin mass-producing electric vehicle batteries.

For Sony, the next question is, “Which EV manufacturer will you partner with?” Because Sony is jumping on the EV bandwagon a little bit later in the game than many of its counterparts, there is widespread speculation over what company or companies will team up with Sony. However, Sony Executive Deputy President Hiroshi Yoshioka said he is extremely confident that a willing suitor or suitors can be found. “The collaboration of electronics and automobile companies over lithium-ion battery production for EVs is still a relatively new phenomenon,” he said. “And while we are considered late in entering the market, we still have plenty of chances to have our case heard.”

We believe that Sony would not undertake such an investment if a partnership was not imminent, and whoever that company is should be a major player with the backing of a major powerhouse like Sony.

We’ll bring you more details as they become available.

Tags: Battery, Electric Car, Electric Vehicle, EV, Hiroshi Yoshioka, Lithium ion, Sony, Sony corp.