The researchers are collaborating with LG Chem in developing a silicon anode that can absorb more lithium during charging which in effect will increase its storage capacity. The batteries using these nanotubules are expected to hit the market in three years time.

The knowledge about silicon anodes having this property has been known for quite a while but they are improving on the technology to avoid faulty developments before which led to cracks on the lithium ion batteries when charged. The new design provides better spacing for the ions to interact resulting to less mechanical strain.

On another development, experts from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found out that we can use Titanium Oxide, a rare earth metal which can make current lithium ion batteries perform better. The titanium oxide can not do it on its own so it was used with grapheme, a lattice of carbon components first discovered in 2004.

Graphene has been used in integrated circuits and other electronic components because of its high flexibility and conductivity. It is also less prone to extreme heat up compared to other carbon based components.

The grapheme in tandem with titanium oxide can help lower the prices of lithium ion batteries used for electric vehicles and hybrids.

The batteries have yet to be demonstrated to the public but EEStor promises that it will present the laboratory certification and produce a unit so the public can see this month. The information about the research has been tightly sealed with insiders for almost a decade now.

The barium-based EESUs are said to have better power density and energy than the lithium ion batteries we know today. They are also cheaper to make and has lifetime functionality as claimed.

On the other side of the story, the proposal of ZENN Motors was coursed to the U.S. DOE through Zenn America, a subsidiary of the Canadian company. A multi-million dollar funding is being sought for to support research efforts and construction of a development facility for small electric cars.

Law makers are set to meet with representatives from Zenn and see the feasibility of the request submitted to DOE. They seem to be interested with the details of the technology being developed and how it will impact the industry, and how it will help Americans who are in need of employment.

The department may reach a decision by the end of September following the release of lab certification for the EESU technology.

The ARRA 2009 is presented into three parts. First, there is an allocated $1.5 billion for manufacturers in the US to let them create components and batteries. Second, to help manufacturers produce components like the electric motors, a fund of $500 million is reserved for them. And lastly, for evaluation and demonstration of plug-in hybrids and other electric enhancements, the act gave them $400 million. These electric enhancements are comprised of electric rails, charging stations and trainings for the technicians for the creation of the electric vehicles.

The declaration of the funding for US car manufacturers was the highlight of President Obama’s speech that is focused on energy and on the economy. His Excellency pointed out the must to find revitalized resources for electricity and to gain little dependency on imported oils.

This funding will not only help the creation of more electric and efficient vehicles, but also, it will open vast opportunities for the unemployed. This is an initiative to produce tens of thousand jobs in the United States. This will also give way to the Americans who will patronize these vehicles a claim on their tax credit for up to $7,500.

The province of Ontario is one of the biggest car producing region in North America. The vehicle manufacturing sector wants to start a transition to increasing roll out of electric vehicles and lower greenhouse gas production.

The Ontario government and its people is aiming to reform their system to give way to more environment friendly cars and propel the province as prime mover for economic growth and saving the environment.

The Better Place deal will help Canadians switch from a Car 1.0 focused on the combustion engines to the new Car 2.0 which runs on renewable energy.

The company will put up a head office in Ontario and construct a center to help in the awareness and education drive for electric vehicles in Toronto.

Ontario promised to conduct a comprehensive study on how to speed up the adoption to electric vehicles. The deadline for this study is May of 2009. Both parties will also do a pilot study on how to build a charging network for the electric cars.

The move of Better Place and the Ontario government helps in keeping the position of the province as a major player in the North American automotive industry and at the same time giving everyone the idea that the sector is thinking and planning well for the future.