Exxon Mobil Corp said a new technology developed by its chemicals business will be key in helping the automotive industry switch to lighter, more efficient batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The technology is a film that will allow battery companies to make larger lithium ion batteries that will not overheat.

Lithium ion batteries, often used in consumer electronics like cell phones and cordless tools, remotes, and cameras hold a charge longer than the conventional batteries now used widely in automobiles. They are also considerably lighter than conventional batteries, which is one of the main ideas in terms of improving gas mileage in a car or truck.

The lithium ion batteries tendency to overheat, sometimes catch fire due to the heat they produce has been a major problem to solve before any realistic automotive use can be considered. Exxon-Mobil Chemical and its Japanese affiliate Tonen Chemical said they have developed new separator film technologies that can stand up at higher heat levels.

Separator films are thin membranes that keep the battery’s positive and negative electrodes apart.

This technology could help automakers address several of the biggest challenges in producing a plug-in car, by lowering the cost of the lithium ion batteries and boosting their power and storage capacity.

Unlike earlier gasoline-electric hybrids, which run on a system that combines battery power driving an electric motor and an internal combustion engine to provide minimal fossil fuel usage while helping keep the batteries charged. Plug-ins are designed for short trips powered entirely by an electric motor and a battery charged through a socket at home. Currently most electric only vehicle can go approximately 60 to 100 miles per charge, which is limiting in terms of how far you go, the new technology should provide up to 150 miles per charge.

Assuming the United States set up a grid across the country, such as Israel is now doing, it would be very conceivable to travel longer distances knowing there would be charging stations located conveniently all around the country. The new generation of batteries can fully recharge in less than 2 hours.

General Motors Corp plans to launch an electric car using lithium ion batteries called the Chevrolet Volt by the end of 2010.

The new technology should make hybrid batteries more efficient, affordable and lighter.

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