Freescale to develop technology for 'plug-in' hybrid car

Bangalore, Nov 13 (UNI) Freescale Semiconductor Chairman and CEO Rich Beyer today said the chip making major was working towards providing technology for the 'plug-in' hybrid electric car with an internal combustion engine, which is expected to be a big hit in the near future.

Speaking at the two-day Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) which began here, he said the plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle was being developed by several automobile manufacturers.

''Assuming a moderate rate of adoption, estimates project that there will be eight crore, plug-in hybrid vehicles on roads within 30 years of their introduction,'' he said.

This technology which is expected to be introduced in mid-term, feature a battery-powered electric motor with an internal combustion engine.

He said demand for more fuel efficient vehicles and rising government standards had positioned electronics as the key for solving both environmental concerns and the expectations for more comfort and safety. Automobile makers would see semiconductors playing a major role in improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and increasing safety.

However, unless the price of the electric vehicles comes down the technology would not make a significant impact on transportation, he added.

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