Batteries for "grid dependent" cars and hybrid electric vehicles

A “grid-dependent’’ electric car takes you to work and back home every day, and every night you recharge your battery with low-cost off-peak electric-utility power from a 20-ampere outlet in your garage. A small engine-driven generator in your car recharges the battery if you have to go on a longer trip. Your car contributes no pollution to the urban communities on your daily commuting drive. This and many other new ideas were discussed at this year’s 16th Annual Battery Conferences on Applications and Advances that was held on January 9 to 12, in Long Beach, California.