BMW and Toyota Begin Lithium-ion Battery Research Cooperation

BMW is more than willing to align itself with other automakers in the race to develop future technologies, including a partnership with GM on hydrogen fuel cells and a deal with Toyota for diesel engines. Late last year, BMW and Toyota signed a memorandum of understanding (pictured) that said the two companies would work together to create new green technologies. Today, we learned a few more details about the plan to make better electric vehicle batteries with the news that the two companies have now signed a joint research agreement for better next-generation lithium batteries.

Specifically, BMW said in a statement, the project will try to increase "the performance and capacity of lithium-ion 18650 battery cells through the use of new combinations of materials for cathodes, anodes and electrolytes." That's not as exciting as testing a new vehicle, but when better batteries get to cars on the market, we'll be thankful someone took the time to figure it all out.