A discussion of the use of nanomaterials that enable alternative energy offers the comments of experts working on advances that could improve hybrid electric car batteries. As Honda, Toyota, Ford, and other carmakers see a quickly growing market for hybrids cars that combine gasoline and electric motors, research in automotive fuel cells and other alternative fuels is also on the rise. One of the largest nanotechnology financing rounds of 2003, for instance, was the $32 million funding of Catalytic Solutions, which uses nanostructures to make catalytic coatings. Concomitant efforts required will include substantial development activity for batteries that are not only safe but also have long life and high power. Industry expert Subhash Narang, director of product development at the SRI International non-profit technology research institute, says there are ways to combine high energy density with high power with nanotechnology. SRI, for instance, is using high aspect ratio nanomaterials or nanofibers, and other organizations working on the problem include Enr1, which is looking into enhancements for electrolytes and cathodes based on nanostructured power. Enr1s spokespeople say that a combination of its nanostructured iron-disulfide cathode with its polymer electrolyte can provide high energy and a long cycle life. Also discussed are the efforts of Solicore and Proton Power.