Usually it has been seen that people who use laptops actually plug the laptop to the power supply. However this kobalt minen is the wrong way of charging the battery. You should charge a battery once or twice a month. The battery should be charge fully at least 30 minutes before you start using it. In case you are going to use direct power supply, then it is best to remove the battery. This will ensure two things -- first, the battery since it is charged already will not discharge uselessly and second, it will ensure that the battery life is extended.
Nonetheless, the Volt is not something in GM's immediate plans. The idea for the Volt would require that a cost efficient 400-lb lithium-ion battery be found. lithium facts-ion batteries of this size are not currently available. Further advances in battery technology would be required to allow GM to consider making the Volt a production car. These are enhancements that could occur in as little as a year, or as many as 20 years. GM has stated that they feel the technology is almost there, yet a vehicle like this is probably about a decade away.
ONickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) - Popular battery about 1-2 years ago. They are lighter than Nickel Cadmium batteries, but heavier than Lithium batteries. These should be cycled once in a while for optimum performance.
The mating lithium bettery stock process between the two engines can be in series or in parallel. When the two powertrains are mated in series, only one of the motors controls the cars movement. The other one simply assists the first, dominant engine. This occurs most often in mild or assist hybrids. The Saturn Vue Green Line Belt Alternator System (BAS) is a good example. The concept vehicle named the Volt from GM is another good example of a series (but not a mild) hybrid.
Briefly relating back to overall size... many lithium 18650's will differ ever so slightly in length (measured in millimeters). This is mainly due to an added protection circuit. The circuit helps to prevent the battery from over-discharging, since Li-ion cells can easily become damaged if their power is drained below a particular voltage. The protection circuit also prevents the cell from being over-CHARGED as well. These cells are very sensitive. They must be handled carefully, gently, and as described above, must never run-down too far, or be charged over and above their threshold. They can actually explode if severely mistreated!
Using these easy tips to keep the battery in the best condition won't do wonders, but will let you use it to the maximum number of recharges. Ever wondered why some laptops keep their maximum capacity for 3-4 years, while others dive under an hour of runtime in one? This is why.