With ever-increasing global environmental problems such as global warming and energy depletion, environmental standards for automobiles are constantly being tightened worldwide. These include the CAFE regulations^*1 and ZEV Program^*2 in the United States, CO₂ emission regulations in Europe, and new fuel efficiency standards in Japan. Against the backdrop of growing environmental awareness along with skyrocketing crude oil prices, the demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is expected to grow rapidly. HEVs emit less exhaust and CO₂ thanks to their increased fuel efficiency by using the engine and motor as a source of power.
     Because of their eco-friendly characteristics, leading automakers in the world are engaged in a fierce HEV development race.

To further expand its rechargeable battery business, SANYO Electric started the development of HEV battery systems in 1997. After achieving the industry's highest-level performance in 1999, we have been exclusively supplying battery systems for Ford Motor's "Escape Hybrid" - the world's first hybrid electric SUV (sports utility vehicle) since 2004.
     Ford Motor is one of the big three automakers in the United States along with General Motors and Chrysler and is the third biggest automaker in the world. Following Japanese automakers already involved in HEV production, such as Toyota and Honda, Ford Motor has entered the HEV market as the first non-Japanese automaker. Ford Motor's decision to use SANYO's battery systems was made thanks to the high evaluation given to our proprietary technologies including battery control technology, in addition to our HEV rechargeable battery technologies based on our proven consumer rechargeable batteries.

Auto parts must meet the automaker's standards and specifications in all aspects, in terms of design, performance, quality, manufacturing process, and service structure. Especially, meeting strict quality standards set in pursuit of maximum safety is of prime importance.
     The battery system for Ford Motor's HEVs incorporates 250 size-D nickel-metal hydride batteries. In addition to being capable of high-power/long-life/high-quality, this battery system is required to have the mechanism to maintain the entire battery system in the optimal condition. Further, high performance must be realized, in terms of durability equivalent to that of a gasoline-powered vehicle with 150 thousand miles (approx. 240 thousand kilometers) in 10 years and temperature tolerance sufficient to pass grueling testing in frigid Northern Canada and scorching hot Arizona. Furthermore, capabilities to handle various severe environments need to be ensured, such as rough driving conditions only SUVs would challenge. To prove that a product meets all of these requirements, many kinds of evaluation tests were implemented and massive amounts of data were collected.

The 'Environmental Showcase' is an exhibition space to be located in the International Media Center at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit, to introduce the leading-edge environmental technology in Japan. It is hosted by the Japanese

The Escape Hybrid which finally appeared after passing tests under severe conditions is capable of low-fuel consumption (13.6 km per liter) and low gas emissions only possible with HEVs. In the United States, an average gasoline-powered vehicle gets 8.5 km to a liter, runs an average of 18,870 km^*3 a year, and emits 2.32 kg of CO₂ per liter^*4. Ford Motor has sold 76,041 Escape Hybrid vehicles in the United States so far (September 2004 - May 2008), from which the total reduction in CO₂ emissions can be calculated to be 246,264 tons.

*1 CAFE regulations: Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations

*2 ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) Program: Standards for introduction of environmentally-friendly vehicles implemented by the State of California. All major automakers distributing cars in California are subject to this program.

*3 Source: "Report of Study Group on the Dissemination and Prospects of Clean Diesel Automobiles, April 18, 2005" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan

*4 Source: "CO₂ Emissions per Basic Unit Table Ver. 1/2, Aug. 25, 2005" by Secretariat of Product Environment Information Providing System