Japan's Sanyo Electric said it is in talks with two major automakers to supply electric car-use lithium-ion batteries, as it moves to secure growth beyond the era of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.

Sanyo, the world's largest rechargeable battery maker, is also talking with Japanese and European motorcycle producers about supplying lithium-ion batteries, Sanyo executive vice president Mitsuru Homma told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

Homma said he hopes to supply hybrid- and electric car-use batteries to Suzuki Motor Corp following the announcement earlier this month of a comprehensive tie-up that will see Volkswagen take 19.9 per cent of Suzuki.

Sanyo maintains close ties with Europe's top automakers through the joint development of auto-use nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. – Reuters