Can the battery performance of electric vehicles be improved by observing electrons? Nissan sought an answer to this question through an advanced research project in partnership with universities in Japan. The result: Nissan Motor Company and its affiliate Nissan Arc Ltd. today announced the development of the world's first analysis method that enables direct observation of electron activity in the cathode material of lithium ion batteries during charging and discharging. Applying this analysis technique to future research and design of battery materials could enable Nissan researchers to develop high-capacity and high-durability batteries that may extend the driving distance of zero emission EVs and improve their durability.