electric car battery

The automaker has licensed technology from the Energy Department's Argonne National Laboratory that will boost the performance of lithium-ion battery cells for its electric Chevy Volt. The next-generation power packs will be made at a new plant in Michigan by Korea's LG Chem.

Panasonic is recharging electric-car company Tesla Motors with $30 million. The electronics manufacturer, which provides batteries for Tesla's cars, will now own 2% of its customer. The deal also puts Tesla back in the battery business.

Have your calculator and utility bill handy if you're keen on buying a Chevy Volt (or Nissan LEAF) and want to compare fuel costs with gasoline cars. The EPA is still grappling with how to provide consumers with ratings comparable to the familiar MPG labels.