In ramping up regional output to meet booming demand for EVs, Panasonic also aims to increase localized sourcing of battery materials, targeting a 50 percent local procure rate.

Experts warn that failure to obtain adequate supplies of lithium, nickel, manganese or cobalt could slow the shift to electric vehicles.

The ever-resourceful automaker has found a new way to squeeze more life from the tried-and-true battery technology, giving hybrid vehicles a new lease on life.

The Vietnamese startup says it will lease batteries to customers rather than including them as standard equipment.

Solid-state power packs promise safety, cost, weight and performance improvements over today's lithium ion batteries. They could help bring larger trucks and SUVs into the EV segment.