The manufacturer of Subarus, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., has recently announced the production of a long-lasting battery designed specifically for gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. The company’s goal is to have the battery available for global automakers in 2006. Fuji Heavy teamed with a major Japanese electronic maker, NEC Corp., to develop the new battery.

The new technology is comprised of a manganese lithium ion battery, which states the ability to last 15 years or 150,000 miles. To put this in perspective, the Toyota Prius presently runs on a nickel-metal hydride battery which is under warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

In order to make the use of the new batteries more economical, Fuji Heavy sent out samples of the new batteries to several U.S., European, and Japanese automakers. They are currently working to develop an agreement for using the new technologies, yet none have been made at this time.

Hybrid Battery Pack