Lithium batteries R&D activities in Europe

In order to evaluate the research activity on lithium batteries in Europe, a short questionnaire was sent to R&D organisation in Europe. A short surve y was established from the 50 answers received from public laboratories, wh ich are estimated to represent about 80% of the actual efforts, not includi ng the private organisations and battery companies. From the results, it ca n be stated that this activity increased by more than 40% for the last five years. More than 90% devoted to rechargeable systems, the main research su bjects are on positive materials, supported by a high level solid state che mistry. The research work is largely application-oriented, and supported by important funding programs of the European Commission, in cooperation with manufacturers. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.