Toshiba Corporation and Volkswagen AG are set to team up on three major projects: the production of electric drive units, the development of power electronics for Volkswagen’s new line of vehicles, and the manufacturing of high-specific density batteries for the new generation electric-powered vehicles.

These three efforts are supposed to work towards Volkswagen’s goal this year, which is to produce safe, affordable, and emission-free large-scale electric vehicles. This was reported by Volkswagen’s Chairman of the Board of Management, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn.

Eventually, Volkswagen will be producing lithium-ion power technology hand-in-hand with Toshiba Corporation. Based on the direction of the three projects, the Volkwagen AG is aiming for long-term plans that are bound to find their own niches in the production of affordable hybrid and electric vehicles a few years from now.

Toshiba is one of the world’s leaders in electronics and battery production, with their recent Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) lithium-ion batteries. The SCiB is pegged to be used in hybrid and electric cars very soon. The battery line has only recently been commercialized in Japan.

The SCiB was launched last May 2008. Although it was designed primarily to power hybrid cars, this battery line was also chosen by Cannondale Sports Group as a new power module for their new eco-bikes. These electric bicycles are pegged for commercial distribution in European and North American markets.

Toshiba’s SCiB will also be installed in the Tailwind, an electric bicycle also produced by Cannondale Sports Group. This unit will be carrying the brand of Schwinn Bicycles.

The commercial introduction of the tailwind is set early this year. More on Volkswagen at Volkswagen Talk!