I found this article in Cnet News

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9780680-7.html?tag=bl

An Indianapolis-based company (EnerDel) recently received a $6.5 million grant from the United States Advanced BATTERY CONSORTIUM (USABC) hopes to deliever to automobile manufactures in 2010 a plug in lithium battery for $1500. This battery is made of lithium titanate where as competor A123 Systems uses a lithium potassium battery. Lithium titanate run cooler than the lithium potassium batteries and thus do not need additional cooling systems.

Peter Novak is the individual who developed the company's technology. The battery system is designated for new automobiles coming off the assembly line and not aftermarket modifiers.

This information is new to me and eye opening with the low price tag. I do not have the education/knowledge to further probe the details from this news article. However, I bet some of our experienced posters can provide some interesting insight!

2005 AWD Escape Hybrid
Best Interstate tank trip MPG 39.02 (scangauge II) for 402 miles on I-70, 10.3 gallons used over mostly flat terrain. Aug. 2007

Best Interstate tank trip E30 MPG 34.6 for 271 miles along I-80 in Indiana and Ohio. May 2008

Best multiple road tank trip E30 MPG 36.2 for 202 miles in Southwestern Pa. July 2008.

#1 The A123 systems cells do not get hot even with 5 hours of city driving. Without ANY fans or A/C the cells remained at the ambient temperture of the car cabin on a 84'F day, the day I got to do my test drive. ( more tests of PHEV Escapes coming from me in November )

#2 Below, I will believe it when I see it. I'm sure that they can be every bit as good as the A123 cells, but should cost the same.... or A123 cells will also cost $1500 to $2500 by the time these new ones are ready for mass production.

-John