Ford is replacing the nickel-metal-hybrid batteries that are currently in the hybrid system in its cars with lithium-ion ones. This change is being made to reduce the company's use of rare earth metals because lithium would be lighter and could reduce Ford's rare earth usage by 500 000 pounds a year. The company claims it has started using lithium-ion batteries on the grounds of reducing costs and believes 30% can be saved compared to the cost of its previous hybrid battery.
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