The opportunity for Li-ion laptop batteries will be primarily driven by plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, which require much larger battery packs than conventional hybrids. According to a report from Pike Research, this market growth will create a Li-ion transportation battery industry with nearly $8 billion in sales worldwide by 2015, up from $878 million in 2010.

In the near term, the Li-ion market, and the electric vehicle (EV) industry in general, will be largely fueled by government subsidies, incentives, and production goals. "2012 will be the make or break year for the electric car market," says senior analyst John Gartner.

"As government support for the sector winds down, demand from consumers and businesses will need to pick up the slack, or the industry faces the risk of oversupply."

Gartner anticipates that prices for Li-ion batteries will be a key determinant in the ultimate market acceptance of Electric Vehicles, since battery cost will represent much of the price premium for electric vehicles. He forecasts that Li-ion prices will improve significantly over the next few years, falling 50% from $940 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in 2010 to $470 per kWh in 2015.

Pike Research's report, "Electric Vehicle Batteries", examines the key market dynamics for Lithium Ion batteries in plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Analysis includes industry and government drivers for the electrification of vehicles, and the role of advanced battery technologies in the development of this new sector.