A domestic firm has succeeded in developing nickel-metal hydrate batteries, a core component of hybrid cars, which are touted as both an environmentally friendly future car model and a great way to beat high oil prices. Hybrid cars run alternately on gasoline engines and electric motors, and are thus more fuel efficient and emit less pollution.

Global Battery, well known for its automotive brand Rocket Battery, announced Tuesday that it has developed its own technology for nickel-metal hydrate batteries for hybrid cars and embarked on work towards mass production. “As soon as we wrap up discussions on the battery supply deal with Hyundai Motor, which is developing its own Hybrid model, we will start mass producing,” a company official said. The largest domestic car maker plans to mass produce made-in-Korea hybrid cars starting next year and is working with LS Group and Dongah Elecomm to develop electric parts for its hybrid model.

(englishnews@chosun.com )