Lithium-ion batteries are today's hot technology in the auto industry. However, the devices have traditionally been expensive to produce. To capture a piece of the lithium-ion battery business, American manufacturers need to invest heavily in automated assembly lines.
Future generations of green vehicles will depend on in-wheel motors. The technology involves a combination to wheels, tires, motors, brakes, steering, suspension and cooling systems. It eliminates the need for traditional components such as engines, transmissions, differentials and transmission shafts, which can result in a 10 percent to 25 percent weight reduction and a 20 percent to 30 percent fuel savings.