If there's such a thing as a lithium ion bandwagon, Honda is not jumping on it -- yet. Honda president Takeo Fukui, in a recent interview with Automotive News, said that lithium ion battery technology is not yet the way to go for today's hybrid and electric vehicles, citing concerns over reliability and durability.

Honda is in the final stages of developing an all-new hybrid that will be powered by a Civic engine (the base U.S. mill is a 1.8-liter four) mated to a newly-designed electric motor and control unit that Honda says will be more efficient and compact. The so-called "Prius Killer" will utilize the current industry standard nickel-metal hydride batteries, but will be built to accommodate lithium ion packs should the technology advance enough for Honda. The new hybrid will reportedly be priced lower than the slow-selling Honda Civic Hybrid, which starts at around $23,000.

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