23 May 2013

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Hybrid battery inventor Ovshinsky dies

Michigan-based inventor, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, credited with developing the first commercially successful hybrid battery technology, as used in Toyota’s Prius, has died aged 89.

The largely self-taught scientist is probably best known for his work developing the rechargeable NiMH battery which became the stable of Toyota’s first hybrid cars and its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology.

But Mr Ovshinsky was also known for his work developing solar cells and fuel cells while his battery technology work helped develop laptop computers, flat-screen TVs digital cameras and smart phones.

He died at home after battling prostate cancer.

During his life he was awarded received more than 400 patents in the US and more than 800 foreign patents for his technology developments.

Often praised in the media, Time magazine dubbed him a "Hero for the Planet” in 1999 while the Economist magazine called Ovshinsky "the Edison of our age," in 2006.

About Faye Sunderland

Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.