Book excerpt: Starting out with an introduction to the fundamentals of lithium ion batteries, this book begins by describing in detail the new materials for all four major uses as cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes. It then goes on to address such critical issues as self-discharge and passivation effects, highlighting lithium ion diffusion and its profound effect on a battery's power density, life cycle and safety issues. The monograph concludes with a detailed chapter on lithium ion battery use in hybrid electric vehicles. Invaluable reading for materials scientists, electrochemists, physicists, and those working in the automobile and electrotechnical industries, as well as those working in computer hardware and the semiconductor industry.