Capacity will initially be raised more than 600% by next autumn. Hitachi has already received orders for enough lithium ion batteries for 100,000 hybrid autos that General Motors Corp. plans to sell from next year. With an eye toward winning orders from domestic and other overseas carmakers, it will bolster capacity to meet the needs of 700,000 hybrids a year. Each vehicle is generally equipped with 30-50 lithium ion batteries.

Hitachi will mass produce two new types of lithium ion batteries for use in next-generation hybrid vehicles. In addition to significant improvements in output density, they are half the weight and size of conventional nickel-metal hydride offerings. Production will be undertaken at subsidiary Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd.’s Tokai works in Ibaraki Prefecture.

GM has contracted with Hitachi to provide Li-ion cells for its upcoming second-generation belt alternator starter (BAS) mild hybrid system. (Earlier post.)

Hitachi is targeting Li-ion battery sales to hit ¥100 billion (US$1 billion) in 2015, representing about 16% of the projected global market by value.