Great American Energy, Inc. reported on advances made in lithium-ion battery technologies and the clean energy applications the batteries are being used in within the automobile, alternative energy generation, and consumer electronics markets. In the automobile sector, Johnson Controls, announced on June 6, 2013, that they will supply lithium-ion batteries as part of a US Department of Energy (DOE) electrification initiative to power large plug-in hybrid trucks. In total, around 120 work trucks will be equipped with advanced plug-in hybrid power systems that rely on Johnson Controls' batteries.

The company's lithium-ion battery technology contributes to reducing fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions in large fleet vehicles. The power system can enable the large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50% when compared to traditional diesel or gas engines. The lithium-ion batteries will be manufactured at Johnson Controls' advanced manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan, which was the first US plant to manufacture lithium-ion cells and complete hybrid battery systems for autos In the alternative power generation sector, German researchers have developed a new lithium-ion battery with a power density of roughly four times the normal density of current lithium-ion batteries.

Of particular significance, the new battery has also retained a full 85% of its initial capacity after 10,000 recharge cycles. Rather than being used in personal electronics, the batteries are designed for use in storing electricity generated by wind and solar power installations. The German researchers also foresee the batteries being used in electric car applications.

Due to the batteries' long life characteristics, it is calculated that if an electric vehicle powered by the new batteries was plugged in every day, the batteries could last for over 25 years while still retaining the vast majority of their original capacity. The researchers currently foresee the batteries being a few years away from mass implementation.