Bosch, Samsung develop next generation battery

Germany’s Robert Bosch GmbH is the latest to join in developing alternative vehicles. It announced that it has agreed with South Korea’s Samsung SDI Co. to co-develop next-generation batteries for hybrid cars. The two aim to promote the batteries to General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and others. These batteries are said to cost five to six times more to make than nickel-hydrogen versions, which can cost ¥200,000-300,000 (US$1,911-2,868). (June 17, 2008)