  The nature of the bonding in Li$_3$AlH$_6$ has been re-examined with
additional analyses using density-functional calculations. From partial density
of states, charge density distribution, charge transfer, electron localization
function, crystal orbital Hamilton population and Mulliken population analyses
it is concluded that the interaction between Li and AlH$_6$ in Li$_3$AlH$_6$ is
ionic as earlier advocated. Based on charge density distribution, electron
localization function, and density of states analyses we earlier suggested that
the interaction between Al and H is largely of the covalent type. However, the
additional analyses indicate that the interaction between Al and H in the
AlH$_6$ structural sub-units is of a mixed covalent ionic (iono-covalent)
character.
