Light spark

TOKYO: Mitsubishi has developed a cheaper lithium ion battery that could make electric vehicles a more attractive and viable proposition.

The new battery uses manganese electrodes instead of the more expensive cobalt ones normally used.

This will enable mass production of a high-powered battery at low cost.

The Japanese carmaker has developed two batteries, one for EVs and one for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The EV battery has a higher capacity, offering a 250km driving range while the HEV battery gives priority to lower weight.