Toshiba has announced that it is in talks with several automakers regarding the development of batteries for use in electric cars. Toshiba will join Sanyo and Panasonic electronics companies in efforts to partner with automakers for battery development and production.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n A Reuters report says that electronics giant, Toshiba, is in the midst of seeking to establish partnerships with major automakers for the production of advanced batteries for use in electric vehicles as they are expected to grow in popularity in the near future.<\/p>\n While at the Global Technology Summit, Toshiba’s head of smart grid, solar power and lithium-ion batteries, Ryuichi <\/span> Nakata, told Reuters that the electronics giant is “in a development phase with multiple automakers.” Nakata added, “Our strategy is to compete in an open market rather than doing business one-on-one.”<\/p>\n By contrast, Panasonic and Toyota recently announced a partnership for the development of lithium-ion batteries for use in hybrid and pure electric vehicles. Likewise, Sanyo, the world’s largest lithium-ion battery producer, recently teamed up with Suzuki to supply batteries. While some automakers and technology companies are opting for semi-exclusive partnerships, Toshiba is looking to deal in higher volumes by offering itself as a supplier to several automakers.<\/p>\n Leftlane previously detailed Toshiba’s advanced rechargeable SCiB (Super Charge ion Battery), a unique approach to lithium batteries which is expected to offer greater longevity and faster recharge times. Toshiba is currently building a new plant in Japan which aims to deliver 500,000 SCiB batteries per month starting in February 2011. Toshiba anticipates $2.2 billion in annual sales from its SCiB batteries starting in 2015, according to Reuters.<\/p>\n Toshiba currently has a contract with Honda to supply batteries for special electric motorcycles.<\/p>\n