More than a century after it first fired into life, the internal combustion engine appears likely to retain its position as the predominant source of automotive power for at least another two decades.

But rapid developments in battery technology are set to allow next-generation electric motor assisted petrol or diesel hybrid vehicles to win greater acceptance with family motorists and operators of light commercial vehicles.

For the moment, a smaller and lighter nickel metal hydride battery puts the new Honda Insight hatchback in the vanguard of moves to increase the popularity of hybrid motoring. 

Despite matching its Civic Hybrid stablemate in size, this five-seat car has better performance, superior versatility and a lower price.

While much of the saving has been achieved by more efficient manufacturing, reductions in the cost of the Japanese company’s Integrated Motor Assist unit have also helped it offer the most affordable hybrid passenger car to date.

Honda will use the revised hybrid system in a sports coupé based on the CR-Z concept later this year and in the Jazz supermini soon afterwards. 

Alongside the Civic, the three additional hybrid models are expected to be achieving around 500,000 sales annually by the end of 2010 and accounting for 10% of the company’s global business.

Yet lithium-ion remains the most probable ultimate power storage technology in hybrid mobility.

The FCX Clarity, Honda's hydrogen powered fuel cell car

It is already harnessed in FCX Clarity, the hydrogen powered fuel cell car Honda is leasing to customers in the US, and other manufacturers are expected to launch their first models using lithium-ion this year in niche markets with production projections of between several hundred and several thousand.

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