The Energy Blog

Project A Better Place Expands to Denmark

Project Better Place (PBC), California, has signed a letter of intent with Danish energy company DONG Energy aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from the Danish car fleet by providing electric cars, batteries and the infrastructure required for implementing a sustainable transportation energy solution. Together with PBC, DONG Energy will work on the further development of the project to give Danish consumers access to buying environmentally friendly electric vehicles (EVs) at attractive prices. 

Denmark is the second country in which such a transportation solution is being planned, Israel, previous post, being the first.

The presentation, below, by Shai Agassi, founder and CEO of PBC, at a New Democrat Network meeting gives a very good explanation of the business model that will be used by PBC to implement the electric car fleet and required infrastructure (drag slider to 4:15 to avoid introduction), my short explanation is given following the video.

Through the PBC and Renault-Nissan Alliance partnership announced last January, Renault will provide Better Place Denmark with zero emissions electric vehicles that offer driving performances similar to a gasoline engine. Nissan, through its joint venture with NEC of Japan, has created an advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack, using currently available technology, that meets the requirements of the electric vehicle and will be mass-produced.

GM will use Lithium-ion Batteries with its "Mild" Hybrid Drivetrains

The Wall Street Journal reports that GM will announce an upgrade of its "mild" powertrain, the "Belt Alternator Starter," (BAS) drivetrain that is used on hybrids such as the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new system, "BAS-plus," will use lithium-ion batteries supplied by Japan's Hitachi Ltd. The upgrade to lithium-ion batteries will allow the new hybrid system to produce "limited electric drive" during the "extremely fuel-consumptive phase of initial acceleration."

The system will increase mileage "better than the 12% to 15% benefit" of GM's current BAS system.

Mr. Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, stressed that the system is less expensive than other electric-only driving hybrid systems and therefore more cost-effective for consumers.

Johnson Controls, Partner to Open Lithium-ion Battery Factory in France

Johnson Controls Inc. (NYSE:JCI) and its French joint venture partner, Saft, soon will open their first factory to build lithium-ion batteries for a plug-in version of a Mercedes-Benz sedan.

The company also is making batteries for Dodge Sprinters that are being tested in Los Angeles and New York. 

The company announced last year that it is engaged in development work with multiple automakers for hybrid batteries for hybrid electric cars and plug-in vehicles, including the plug-in Saturn Vue under development by General Motors.

The new Johnson Controls-Saft factory in Nersac, France, will open this month. That factory will begin production this year of lithium-ion batteries that will be supplied to Daimler AG for its Mercedes S-Class 400 hybrid. . . . more

In another announcement Johnson Controls said its lithium-ion battery would last 10 years and that it would take up one-third less space and weigh 50 percent less than nickel-metal hydride batteries.

This is just what the LI-ion business needs, as the demand for these batteries will soon outstrip the supply.

GM Forms New Organization for Hybrids, Plug-ins and Advanced Batteries

General Motors has formed a new engineering organization especially dedicated to implementing hybrid and extended- range electric vehicles (E-REV) and advanced battery technology. The global team will be led by Robert Kruse, executive director of vehicle engineering for hybrids, electric vehicle and batteries.

"The future of automotive transportation will be based on electrification of our vehicles," "By having a vehicle engineering team in place and focused on delivering the technical aspects of hybrids and E-REVs, we can accelerate these programs and get them into production quickly and efficiently."

-- Jim Queen, GM group vice president of Global Engineering

GM's newest vehicle engineering team will develop vehicles using a variety of propulsion systems including gas-electric hybrids and GM's innovative E-Flex architecture. Vehicles that will be engineered by this team include the production E-REVs based on E-Flex architectures; Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado 2 Mode; Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid; Saturn Vue 2 Mode Plug-in; Saturn Vue and Aura Hybrid; GMC Yukon and Sierra 2 Mode; and the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode.

This should be great news for the affected technologies.  GM seems to be recognizing the importance of these technologies.  The Volt is not mentioned, I believe they already have a separate organization for it. It uses a different and hopefully more advanced technology, which is quite far along in development. It seems they want some common design elements in the mentioned vehicles.  I hope this is a step foreword and not just a bureaucracy for the sake of the media.

FYI: Renault Nissan Considers Using A123Systems Batteries in Addition to Their Own

The Wall Street Jounal reports that Renault and its partner Nissan Motor Co., which this week announced a major commitment to develop battery-powered cars, are considering using lithium-ion batteries both from their in-house team and the American battery start-up A123 Systems.

"In some markets we will use Nissan-NEC battery technology and in others we are thinking about adopting technology from A123 Systems," one person said.

One is their partnership with former SAP AG executive Shai Agassi that aims to set up a network for charging ...

Renault-Nissan and Project Better Place to Supply Israel with Recharging Grid and Electric Vehicles

Renault-Nissan Alliance and Project Better Place aim to create a breakthrough with electric vehicles in Israel. This comes in response to the Israeli State's challenge to migrate the country's transportation infrastructure to renewable sources of energy. The Israeli government would provide tax incentives to customers, Renault would supply the electric vehicles, and Project Better Place would construct and operate an Electric Recharge Grid across the entire country. Electric vehicles will be available for customers in 2011.

According to the New York Times, Renault (EPA: RNO) will offer a small number of electric models of existing vehicles, like the Megane sedan, at prices roughly comparable to gasoline models. The vehicles will run on pure electricity for all functions. The objective of zero emissions will be achieved, while at the same time offering driving performances similar to a 1.6 liter gasoline engine. Renault's electric vehicles will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries, ensuring greater driving range and longevity.

"Dozens of electric cars will go on the roads for thorough testing this year. There's already an operational prototype. I've driven it, and it goes from 0 to 100 kmh in 7.5 seconds. In other words, there's a product and it's one of the fastest cars on the road." 

Shai Agassi, CEO A Better Place, Globes Online Feb. 22, 2008

FYI: UltraBattery Sets New Standard for HEVs

The odometer of a low emission hybrid electric test vehicle reached 100,000 miles as the car circled a track in the UK using the power of an advanced CSIRO battery system.

The UltraBattery combines a supercapacitor and a lead acid battery in a single unit, creating a hybrid car battery that lasts longer, costs less and is more powerful than current technologies used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). . . .

“Previous tests show the UltraBattery has a life cycle that is at least four times longer and produces 50 per cent more power than conventional battery systems. It’s also about 70 per cent cheaper than the batteries currently used in HEVs,” said David Lamb, Low Emissions Transport Leader, Energy Transformed Flagship, CISRO, Australia.  . . . more

Also see: UltraBattery: no ordinary battery

Firefly's First Battery for Plug-in Hybrids Presented to Sen. Dick Durbin

The first Firefly Energy battery aimed at the plug-in hybrid market was mounted on a plaque presented to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on Friday January 11. This was the company's way of thanking Durbin for helping get federal funds for research into the high-tech batteries being developed at Firefly since the companies start-up in 2003.

Firefly co-founder Mil Ovan said Firefly planned to send samples of hybrid batteries to the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago this spring for testing.

Ovan said the company now employs 45 people, up from three when the firm was spun off from Caterpillar five years ago.

Firefly has two similar, but different, technologies using Microcell Technology™, designated as the 3D and 3D². Their breakthrough foam electrode structure results in a redistribution of most of the electrolyte (the biggest “resistor” in a lead acid battery) into the pores of the foam plate, in closer proximity to the lead chemistry. The 3D cell architecture involves replacing the conventional lead metal-based negative plate with a foam electrode.  The 3D² battery uses the porous material for both the negative and positive plates, replacing up to 70% of the lead utilized in traditional lead-acid batteries. 

See their Technical White Paper for more details on their technology.

It is speculated that batteries using the 3D² technology, which is lighter in weight and has higher energy density, will be required to meet the needs of the PHEV market.  If so, this is the first public indication of the status of that technology. Their website, in a 2006 statement, says:

. . . we hope to be making batteries for this (automotive) important application. We have no plans however to offer individual batteries to the general public for at least the next two years.

Firefly is already producing 3D batteries for trucks and for mobile lawn equipment.

FYI: Compact Power to Develop Batteries for PHEV10s

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) announced that Compact Power, Inc. (CPI), has been awarded a contract to develop lithium-ion battery technology for 10-mile range PHEVs plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV10) applications. The contract will be for a 27-month period, beginning in January of 2008, to develop batteries using high energy and high power manganese-spinel cathode chemistry. CPI’s contract is valued at $12.9 million, with $4.5 million funded through a cost share by the USABC.

The main advantages of LG Chem/CPI large format cells are:

1) Safer chemistry (without compromises in performance or life) – specifically LG Chem/CPI use manganese-based cathode chemistry with additives to improve calendar life under high temperature conditions.

2) Special high temperature separators (the membranes between the electrodes) – the semi-permeable insulating membranes separating the electrodes in LG Chem/CPI cells are mechanically and thermally far superior to commonly used separators in lithium-ion cells. This property enables LG Chem/CPI cells to withstand abuse situations such as internal shorts and overcharges without undergoing thermal runaway.

3) A safer laminated package – designed to be more forgiving than a metal can under abuse conditions and does not lead to explosions.

The work under this new contract is complimentary to the work CPI is doing with General Motors on the Volt/E-Flex development program.

more

FYI: Altairnano Ships $1 million Storage System

Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALTI), a leading manufacturer of lithium-titanate battery and energy storage products, announced today that it completed the manufacturing of battery packs to be used in a two (2) megawatt energy storage system ordered by the AES Corporation (NYSE: AES). The $1 million purchase initiated by AES was previously announced in August 2007. Altairnano expects the system to be connected to the grid and tested during the first quarter of 2008.  . . . more

Lithium Energy Japan Established to Produce Lithium-ion Batteries

GS Yuasa Corporation (TSE: 6674), Mitsubishi Corporation (TSE: 8058), and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE: 7211) announced that, effective December 12, they have formed the joint venture company "Lithium Energy Japan" to produce large capacity and high performance lithium-ion batteries. The companies have been in collaboration since last May to set up this joint venture company.

GS Yuasa possesses advanced technologies in large lithium-ion batteries and is striving to broaden their applications. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Corporation intends to enter the battery manufacturing business and aims to create other related businesses as well. Finally, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is working to promote greater use of electric vehicles, which is the ultimate in environmentally-friendly automobiles. Through their mutual interests, the three companies have come together to invest in this new joint venture. Their intent is to apply their comprehensive strengths in vertical value chains and take advantage of their powerful synergy to advance this business.

Ener1: (Lithium-ion) Batteries in Think Vehicles by End of '08

From a Dec. 12 press release:

"We have already announced a commercial contract with Think Electric Vehicle in Norway," Charles Gassenheimer, chairman of Ener1, Inc. (OTCBB: ENEI) added, referring to a $70 million development and supply agreement signed in October. "It's the largest electric vehicle company in Europe. You will see our batteries in their cars by the end of 2008." the Ener1 chairman told interviewer Alexis Glick.

Ener1, Inc. is an alternative energy technology company that is developing lithium ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) at its 80.5% owned EnerDel subsidiary through corporate ventures and strategic partnerships with Delphi, ITOCHU and EnerStruct.

A previous post reported that EnerDel says it will come out with a lithium-ion battery for plug-in hybrids that will cost $1,500. Also in that post is a description of their technology.

This presentation (a lot of rhetoric) indicates that one $1,500 battery is equivalent to the $4000 NiMH battery currently used in hybrid vehicles, at half the size and 35% of the weight.

Noted in Passing: Toshiba SCiB Battery

Toshiba Corporation has announced the commercial launch of the SCiB the Super Charge ion Battery a breakthrough rechargeable battery primarily targeting the industrial systems market that can recharge to 90% of full capacity in less than five minutes. The battery offers excellent safety and a long-life cycle of over 10 years, even under conditions of constant rapid charging. Toshiba aims to make this high potential battery a mainstay of its industrial systems and automotive products businesses, with global sales of 100 billion yen targeted for fiscal year 2015. The first SCiB will be shipped from March 2008.

With the SCiB Toshiba has progressed beyond the breakthrough in fast recharging lithium-ion technology that it announced in March 2005. In order to realize the outstanding characteristics of the SCiB, Toshiba adopted a new negative electrode material, new separators, a new electrolyte, and new manufacturing technology. The result is a highly reliable rechargeable battery with well-balanced performance, offering excellent safety, a long-life cycle and a rapid charge-discharge capability.

Valence Technology Premieres First Intelligent, Large-Format Lithium-Ion Battery System at EVS-23

Valence Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VLNC) unveiled its third generation of lithium-ion battery technology, Epoch^TM, at The International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS-23), which started Sunday at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.

From their press release and website:

Valence believes its new generation of phosphate-based lithium-ion battery systems will move the electric vehicle industry one step closer to the Holy Grail -- finding a battery solution that is safe, intelligent, lasts longer and weighs less than outdated technologies being used today. Epoch batteries are equipped with an advanced management system that will monitor and adjust cell performance so battery packs will always operate at their optimum performance capacity. Epoch batteries present a safe, powerful and reliable energy solution designed to be low maintenance, cost competitive and environmentally friendly. 

Epoch represents significant electronic, mechanical and thermal improvements over their second generation U-Charge^TM product. Some of the main advantages are fail soft capability, improved balancing for optimized energy delivery, enhanced SOC calculation, higher system voltage capability, field serviceability, remote access capability and higher continuous discharge capability.

Exxon: Film May Lead to Car Battery that is Lighter and Safer

It seems that everyone is getting into the battery business, one of them will succeed in making a smaller, lighter and less expensive battery.  This development by ExxonMobil sound very promising.

ExxonMobil Chemical and ExxonMobil's Japanese affiliate, Tonen Chemical have developed a thin film separator for use in lithium-ion batteries, that would enable production of batteries like those found in cell phones and laptops, to power cars and trucks. These new film technologies are expected to significantly enhance the power, safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries, thereby helping speed the adoption of these smaller and lighter batteries into the next wave of lower-emission vehicles.

This weekend, at the 23rd Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS-23) in Anaheim, Calif., Exxon Mobil will unveil a super-thin plastic sheeting the company says can improve the power, safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries for use in automobiles.

Separator film is an integral part of battery system design and critical to overall performance. ExxonMobil Chemical’s new technology platform builds on twenty years experience in lithium-ion battery separators, applying advanced polymer and process technologies with flexibility to tailor products to battery manufacturer requirements.

Exxon Mobil considers the film a breakthrough because it allows battery makers to build smaller and cheaper battery systems — removing key obstacles that have kept automakers from building hybrid and electric vehicles on a wide scale. Porosity is one of the key parameters in building higher performance separators and Tonen has developed a prototype film with a 51% porosity compared to 37% in current production batteries while maintaining the same strength and thermal integrity.

Exxon Mobil developed its film with Japanese affiliate Tonen Chemical (see this earlier press release that discloses that Tonen has been manufacturing films for small Li-ion batteries since 1991). Invented in research labs at Exxon Mobil's Baytown complex, the film is the first to squeeze multiple layers of plastic into a single white sheet the width (thickness?) of a human hair.

Tonen and Exxon are exploring the possibility of building a new production facility for the new generation of films in Gumi, Korea.

More here, here, here and here   

Material for this post is based on an article in The Houston Chronicle and various ExxonMobil publications.

Subaru G4e Boasts New Battery

Subaru has released a second generation battery-electric vehicle, the G4e (for “Good 4 earth”). The 5-seater has a  maintenance-free 65-kilowatt electric motor, and features high energy-density vanadium enhanced lithium-ion batteries, which give the G4e a 124 mile (200km) range from a charge (more than double the first generation R1e’s range, previous post) and using a quick-charger it can be charged to 80% in only 15 minutes.

The increased range can be attributed to advances in lithium-ion battery technology. Using a new high-capacity vanadium battery material, the capacity of the positive terminal is increased two to three times, resulting in an energy density about twice that of the previous model.

Firefly Truck Battery to be Available for Evaluation in First Quarter 2008

Per press release:

Firefly Energy Inc. the Peoria, Illinois based leader in developing next generation carbon and graphite foam batteries, announced today that the first preproduction versions of its BCI Group 31 truck battery – to be marketed under the new name “Oasis” – will be available for review and testing during the first quarter of 2008.

The company said its Oasis battery will primarily be utilized when the truck’s diesel engine is turned off, and provide up to 50 percent longer runtimes than competitors when powering accessories which collectively make up a truck’s “hotel loads.” This newly branded battery will be unveiled by Firefly Energy at its first ever tradeshow appearance at the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress and Exhibition (ComVec), Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2007, in Rosemont, IL.

“Antidiesel engine idling regulations will soon become pervasive across the nation, and better battery performance will be crucial in contributing to trucker safety, comfort, and productivity,” said Ed Williams, chief executive officer of Firefly Energy. “Our Oasis battery will help ensure truck drivers maintain a comfortable haven for their rest periods”

Startup Plans on Establishing Grids to Sell Electricity for Recharging Electric Cars

Shai Agassi, former SAP executive, announced today the formation of Project Better Place, a company based on one of the 21st century’s biggest challenges – developing a sustainable, environmental solution for converting country-wide transportation systems toward electricity and away from fossil fuel. Electric vehicles would be enabled through an electric recharge grid infrastructure and using charge spots and battery exchange stations. In one of the largest-ever initial fundings for a startup, the company has raised $200 million from a group of investors lead by Israel Corp. The energy cost of all-electric cars would be about 7 cents a mile which is  less than a third of the cost of driving a gasoline-powered car today.

Project Better Place will focus in phase one on establishing a repeatable infrastructure to support electric vehicles, implementing electric recharge grids through local operating companies in multiple countries. They will establish a widespread grid of electric charging spots at current parking locations as well as battery exchange stations, analogous to gas stations, all of which are integrated with software systems. These capabilities will provide consumers with the energy to keep their cars charged and driving without the need to wait for electricity at any point. The new grid presents a practical solution to address barriers to electric vehicle adoption.

In addition, the company will secure partnerships with a supply chain of car makers, technology providers, and global and local financing institutions.  The company is currently in discussions with various governments to establish pilot sites, with plans to begin rollout of the new infrastructure in early 2008.

A123Systems Raises Additional $30 million

Per press release:

A123Systems, developer and producer of patent-pending Nanophosphate™ lithium ion batteries, announced that it has completed a $30 million round of funding, bringing the total capital invested in the company to $132 million.

A123Systems will use these funds to increase production capacity for new contract awards for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and extended range electric vehicle design wins with major automakers including a contract to co-develop proprietary cells for the GM E-FLEX program.

A123Systems has recently opened for business its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing site for the company’s Automotive Class Lithium Ion batteries.

A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries. The company’s patent pending Nanophosphate™ technology enables its batteries to deliver previously unattainable levels of power, safety and life. With more than 800 employees and the largest lithium ion R&D team in North America, world-class expertise and management, and global manufacturing operations, A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion™ batteries are leading the automotive movement towards platform electrification.

Read the complete press release here.

Just to keep everyone up to date on what is going on with one of the contenders, if not the leading contender, in the race to produce safe and hopefully affordable lithium-ion automobile batteries. In a recent post we have seen that Altairnano is not yet affordable, I am waiting to see if EnerDel can deliver on its promise for $1,500 plug-in batteries and we can't forget Johnson Controls/Saft the only contender with large scale manufacturing capability.  I am hoping that Firefly can under-price them all with its graphite foam lead-acid battery.

Micro-Vett Converting Fiat Doblò Station Wagons to Electric Vehicles

With a range of approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) the all electric Micro-Vett Fiat Doblò 5 seat station wagon, powered by a 18 kWh Altairnano NanoSafe^® battery pack is undergoing field trials in Oslo, Norway. The battery pack was  recharged three times, in less than ten minutes using a high voltage rapid charging system, for a total of three times to travel a total of 186 miles (300 km) at a top speed of 72 mph (120 kM/h). Go Green expects to ship up to 20 Micro-Vett vehicles to customers in the next several months, and an additional 250 vehicles are planned for shipment in 2008.

Two interesting comments are found on the Go Green website:

"Due to the absence of the Phoenix vehicle, we have selected Micro-Vetts range of vehicles to present during elections in Norway."

"Altairnano are currently selling the batteries at U$2.00 per watt.  It was explained that through volume this could be reduced to U$0.50 per watt by means of automating the production of the cell and module"

This car provides somewhat of a quandary for me. The range of 60 miles is more consistent with that needed for commuting, while the size of the car is more in line with a vehicle used to travel greater distances. For the expected sales volume, it does not really matter what the range or size is, but I would expect some rationale for that.  Perhaps the first use at the elections in Norway determined the design parameters. The 35 kWh Altairnaro battery pack could be used for longer ranges and smaller vehicles are available from Micro-Vett, in fact their website says the YDEA micro-car is now available with electric drive, what kind of batteries was not stated.

As far as the Go Green comment on the availability of the Phoenix vehicles this may be in line with companies August 23 announcement that "While Phoenix Motorcars had hoped to begin initial deliveries of its vehicles by this fall, we have decided to delay deliveries until early 2008."  The price of the Altairnanol battery packs, $9,000 for an 18 kWh pack is about in line with expectations, but higher than my expectations for "automated production".

The Diablo provides a small market for Altairnano's batteries while Phoenix gets its act together, if it ever does.  Altairnano bought a stake in Phoenix, so I would think they are pretty confident that it will go foreward.

The entire text of the press release on which this post was based is available on the next page.

EnerDel to Provide Lithium Batteries for Th!nk Electric Car

EnerDel will deliver prototypes to Th!nk in March 2008 and pre-production parts by July 2008. If all works well, the contract could be worth $70 million, according to EnerDel.

Ener1, Inc. (OTCBB: ENEI) has announced that its EnerDel subsidiary, previous post, entered into a Supply Agreement with Think Global of Oslo, Norway, the manufacturer of the Th!nk City electric vehicle (EV). Under the agreement, Think Global has selected EnerDel as the supplier of choice for prismatic Lithium ion (Li ion) batteries that will be used to power its Th!nk City vehicle.  . . .

EnerDel’s Li ion solution for the Electric Vehicle drive train is designed to have higher energy density than HEV cells and to enable vehicles to last up to a goal of 100 miles (160 kilometers) without recharging.

Under the Agreement, EnerDel must deliver production prototypes in March 2008 and pre-production parts in July 2008, with a value of approximately $1.4 million. Once these milestones are met to the satisfaction of Think Global, production orders under the contract are expected to result in EnerDel battery sales of $70 million over the two-year period ending in 2010. Under Think’s growth plan, the total value of the contract could eventually exceed $200 million. . . .

Th!nk global is the new owner of the electric car producer Th!nk. Formerly part of the Ford Motor Company, Th!nk was taken over by a group of Norwegian investors in March 2006. Think’s existing factory in Norway is presently being upgraded by Porsche Consulting to make it one of Europe’s most cost efficient assembly plants ready to mass-produce the Think model in 2008. The two seater Think City EV is about 2 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper, and a bit taller. When first announced the car was claimed to go 110 miles on a single charge. The battery can be charged using the electrical outlet at home. Top speed is currently capped at 62 mph. . . . more

UK to get 250 electric car recharging stations

Personal Computer World (UK) reports:

The viability of electric cars is set to take a giant leap forward after energy giant EDF announced it is to install 250 recharging stations across the UK by April 2008.

The company is to join forces with recharging station manufacturer Elektromotive to provide the recharging stations, which it claims will make electric cars such as the G-Wiz and MEGA City more attractive propositions for urban commuters.

. . . around 200 of the charging stations, which provide a standard 240V charge, are expected to be deployed in London with a further 50 planned for other cities including Brighton and Sheffield.

. . . with most electric cars costing 1.3p to 1.5p per mile to run, costs would be minimal.

. . . The study from ICM Research predicted that Londoners alone will spend £1.2bn on green vehicles in the next year.

Is this a sign of things to come around the world? Detractors of electric cars and PHEV's have often cited the lack of recharging stations was a major problem in making these cars acceptable.  The article does not say how the charging stations will be paid for but infers that some will be paid for by local governments and some from proceeds from selling the electricity.

Firefly to Produce Truck Batteries

Firefly Energy Inc. the Peoria based developer of advanced lead acid batteries announced on October 3 that it is expanding into the trucking market with the commencement of a BCI Group 31 battery development program.

The Group 31 size battery is a broadly deployed battery type in trucks. The company said the Firefly Group 31 battery will be initially available next summer with full production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2008.

The sealed, valve regulated Group 31 battery is similar to a battery Firefly Energy is developing for the U.S. Army to give combat vehicles enough onboard electrical storage to power equipment without significantly decreasing battery life.

“Conventional deepcycle lead acid batteries used in truck starting show sizeable performance dropoff after some 200 deep discharge cycles,” said Mil Ovan, senior vice president and cofounder of Firefly Energy.

He noted the Firefly Energy battery will deliver greater reliability and longer service life because it is capable of achieving more than triple the deep cycles while still maintaining over 90 percent of its initial capacity.

“In trucking, this means our battery can be expected to last three to five times longer than the best performing valve regulated lead acid batteries.”

He added that with the new antiidling laws, “drivers using our battery can keep cool during sleep periods without having to idle their engines. Substantial reductions in rest stop engine idling and diesel fuel use by heavy trucks are achievable because our battery powers accessories like air conditioners, TVs, VCRs, computers and refrigerators with 50 percent more runtime than top competitors.”

EnerDel Lithium-ion Battery for Plug-ins will cost $1,500

According to Michael Kanellos of cnet NEWS.com:

EnerDel says it will come out with a lithium-ion battery for plug-in hybrids that will cost $1,500, a development that could go a long way to making these cars palatable in terms of price.

The Indianapolis-based company, which recently received a $6.5 million grant from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), hopes to deliver the battery to car manufacturers for their 2010 lineups, according to Charles Gassenheimer, vice chairman of the company. The 2010 model cars will start coming out in September 2009, he said. ...

Competitor Altair Nanotechnologies uses a similar chemistry.

EnerDel, a subsidiary of Ener1, Inc. (OTCBB: ENEI) was one of five battery companies that received awards from The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). They received a $2.5 million contract over two years for plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) research. The award is for the development of cells for 10- and 40-mile range PHEVs using nano-phase lithium titanate coupled with a high voltage Nickel-Manganese cathode material. The total DOE/industry cost share will be $2.5 million and the DOE will fund its share of $1.25 million.

This comes on top of a 18-month contract, valued at $6.5 million, that was awarded on September 18, that was the second of a three-phase USABC program and requires a 50 percent cost share. EnerDel successfully completed Phase I in June. EnerDel's Phase II contract involves development focused on scaling up to a production caliber cell, extensive lifetime testing and evaluation, as well as demonstrating the technology in battery modules.

American Electric Power to Install Six MW of NAS® Battery Storage

Installations will boost reliability, integrate wind generation, prepare for future; new batteries a step toward AEP’s goal of 1,000 megawatts of advanced storage

American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) annouced that it is expanding its use of large-scale battery technology on its electricity grid by installing six megawatts of sodium sulfur (NAS®) batteries for storage of electricity to enhance reliability, allow for continued load growth, provide support for weak sub-transmission systems, avoid equipment overload and to offset intermittent wind power.

AEP will be adding stationary sodium sulfur (NAS®) battery technology in its West Virginia and Ohio service territories next year. The company will also work with wind developers to identify a third location for NAS battery deployment next year, using the storage capability to help offset the intermittent nature of wind generation.

AEP has placed an order for the three new NAS batteries with NGK Insulators Ltd. of Japan, the manufacturer and co-developer, along with the Tokyo Electric Power Co., of the technology. AEP anticipates delivery in spring 2008.

According to the New York Times:

The cost is very high, $27 million for six megawatts of capacity, or about $4,500 a kilowatt, including the price of substation improvements. Building a gas turbine of that size to meet peak needs would cost substantially less. But the battery system would be able to store power made from wind, a form of generation that does not produce any carbon dioxide. . . .

The batteries can each deliver one megawatt of power — enough to run a medium-size shopping center — for a little more than seven hours. Replenished nightly, they give back about 80 percent of the electricity put into them. Each is the size of a double-decker bus, and installation is not permanent; they can be moved to another site as the need arises.

GM Considering Leasing Batteries for Volt

According to an article in Drive by Richard Blackbuon of The Sydney Morning Herald on September 5, GM is considering leasing batteries to customers, rather than asking a prohibitive price for the new technology. The leasing plan would result in customers paying a weekly rental, offset by the huge fuel savings.

"It looks as if it is going to cost a lot more to buy a car like this, however the fuel economy is enormous," Nick Reilly, the president of General Motors Asia Pacific, said.

"People won't buy a full car. They will buy a car and rent or lease the battery and the cost of leasing the battery will be the same as, or less than, the cost they're paying today for petrol. So the motoring costs of an electric vehicle don't necessarily have to be much higher than the cost of today's vehicles," he said.

Mr Reilly said the leasing approach could speed up the adoption of hybrid vehicles. "Before we were saying it will be an awfully long time before we can get the costs down so people can afford it, but actually if you offset the fuel costs, people can afford it," he said.

This certainly sounds like the way that GM could get the Volt to market the soonest, without having to worry as much about the life of the battery.

Electro Energy to Develop High Specific Energy Batteries for Airships

Electro Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: EEEI), a  provider of advanced battery technologies, announced a contract award from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for technology development of Very High Specific Energy Battery Cells for use in the company's High Altitude Airship (HAA^TM ) program.

Lockheed contracted Electro Energy to develop an advanced, light-weight, rechargeable lithium ion battery to help power the HAA. Under the contract, EEEI will incorporate advanced materials into their bipolar wafer cell technology with the objective to achieve improved battery "specific energy" -- or energy per unit mass.

Lockheed Martin describes the HAA as an unmanned, lighter-than-air vehicle that will operate above the jet stream in a quasi-geostationary position to deliver persistent station keeping as a surveillance platform, telecommunications relay, or a  weather observer.  The HAA will provide an array of communication and navigation services for both civilian and military purposes. This concept takes lighter-than-air vehicles into a realm that gives users capabilities on par with satellites at a fraction of the cost. In position, the 500 foot long by 150 foot diameter airship would survey a 600-mile diameter area. Lighter-than-air vehicles, operating at altitudes above controlled airspace under the control of a manned ground station, give users the flexibility to change payload equipment, when the airship returns to its operational base, to perform different tasks.

Lockheed Martin is currently in the contract's third phase, prototype build and flight demonstration, awarded by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The MDA’s performance goals for the prototype HAA include sustained operations for approximately one month, above 60,000 feet, while providing power to a payload for military use.

GM Selects Compact Power and Continental Automotive Systems to Develop Volt Batteries

As has been reported in Technology Review and other media, General Motors (NYSE: GM), has selected Compact Power, Inc. (CPI), based in Troy, Mich and Continental Automotive Systems (CAS) to develop batteries for its "E-Flex System."

Per GM "The signing of these advanced development battery contracts for the E-Flex system is the latest proof point in GM's effort to transform the industry by diversifying automotive transportation away from petroleum with a range of propulsion alternatives."

The E-Flex System was first shown as the plug-in battery electric propulsion system for the Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in January. A plug-in fuel cell variant of the E-Flex system was shown at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The "E" stands for electric drive; the "Flex" represents the architecture's adaptability to be configured in several vehicle packages operating on various sources of electricity.

A123Systems Announces Li-ion Automotive Batteries

A123Systems today introduced its 32-series Nanophosphate™ Lithium Ion cells, specifically designed for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) use. These batteries leverage the company’s existing low-cost, high-volume manufacturing techniques to offer the electric drive industry a new level of price-performance.

The 32-series cells are designed with abuse-tolerance in mind. A123Systems’ Automotive Class cells take advantage of lessons learned from the mass-production of ANR26650M1 cells, used in DeWalt’s and Black & Decker's power tool lines, in order to deliver 10+ year and 150,000 mile projected life requirements in engineered automotive battery packs. The cells have shown minimal power degradation and impedance growth after 300,000 cycles. The battery is able to operate at a temperature range of  -20 ˚F to 140 ˚F (-29 ˚C to 60 ˚C).

A123Systems’ 32-series lineup is comprised of two cells with custom electrode designs.

• The 32113 M1Ultra high power cells are optimized for use in HEV's. The 32113 is currently designed into A123Systems’ programs with major U.S. and European auto manufacturers.
• The 32157 M1HD cell uses a higher energy electrode design, geared specifically for PHEVs, and offers greater volumetric energy density and the lowest cost per watt-hour. Currently used in a Saturn Vue PHEV development program, the 32157 offers superior calendar and cycle life at high depth-of-discharge (DOD), as well as excellent power density for charge-sustaining operation.

Phoenix Orders More Altair Battery Packs

Phoenix Motor Cars has placed an additional $2.2 million order for 35 kWh NanoSafe^TM battery packs with Altair Nanotechnologies (Nasdaq: ALTI) for use in sport utility trucks (SUTs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) manufactured by California-based Phoenix.

The new order brings Phoenix’s total purchase commitment for Altairnano battery packs to $4,075,000. Altairnano has shipped more than $1,475,000 of its 35 KWh battery packs to Phoenix.

Altairnano’s 35 KWh NanoSafe packs provide sufficient power and energy for SUT and SUV vehicles to travel up to 130 miles with a top speed of over 100 miles per hour. The battery pack has a life of 12 years or more.  NanoSafe battery packs can be recharged in less than 10 minutes using an industrial 480-volt battery-charging platform. NanoSafe battery packs can also be charged over longer periods of time when using typical 120 or 240 volt power sources. An on-board charger that is compatible with these lower voltage sources is standard equipment for both the Phoenix SUT and SUV vehicles.

New Japanese Company Formed to Manufacture Lithium-Ion Batteries

GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) have begun collaboration on establishing a joint venture to manufacture large capacity and high performance Lithium-ion batteries that can be used in electric vehicles (EV). The three partners aim to complete the details and set up the new company sometime within half a year.

The batteries that will be produced by the new company are based on the "LIM series" of Large Lithium-ion batteries manufactured by GS Yuasa (currently the only mass producer of Large Lithium-ion batteries in Japan) with improved cell-structure and electrode materials to improve the energy density and power density of the new batteries. These batteries will have ten times the capacity of those for hybrid electric vehicles, and are the perfect choice for EVs. MMC plans to install the batteries to its next generation EV "i MiEV" (i Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), which it aims to introduce to the market by 2010. The batteries can also be supplied to EVs manufactured by other auto-makers and to industrial applications for energy storage use.

The new batteries are capable of high-speed energy input and output to meet the needs of high-speed charge specifications under consideration by electrical power companies and potentially for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). They hope that their product will become the de facto standard for large lithium-ion batteries; the new company plans on increasing their production capacity and line-up of products in response to the expanding market.

Power Air Zinc Air Fuel Cells

Power Air Corporation's Zinc Air Fuel Cell technology offers an alternative to batteries, generators, and hydrogen fuel cells as it creates residual zinc oxide that, through electrolysis, can be recycled back into reusable zinc fuel.

Power Air Corporation (OTC: PWAC) (PAC), a clean energy company, Is developing a commercially viable Zinc-Air Fuel Cell (ZAFC) technology that generates reliable, environmentally sustainable, zero emission energy for portable, stationary, light mobility, and transportation applications.

Power Air’s better way replaces batteries and engines with fuel cells that can be quickly recharged by a simple exchange of electrolyte. PAC’s ZAFC technology is made using low cost materials and conventional manufacturing techniques. Products powered by PAC’s ZAFC have all the advantages of batteries and engines, without the disadvantages.

The ZAFC is a metal oxide fuel cell using relatively simple physical chemistry. It uses a combination of atmospheric oxygen and zinc pellets in a liquid alkaline electrolyte to generate electricity with by products of zinc oxide and potassium zincates.

Firefly Announces Partnership to Produce Batteries for Military

Adapted from Firefly press release.

Firefly Energy Inc., the developer of a carbon-graphite foam based, lead acid battery for commercial and military uses, today announced a battery manufacturing partnership with NorthStar Battery Company, Inc., to enable prototype and production support of Firefly’s “3D” battery technology to serve the U.S. Army. Specific terms were not disclosed.

Firefly Energy’s 3D battery, will be particularly valuable in Army field combat operations because of the dramatic advantages it offers over today’s current lead acid battery products. Among the many advantages are:

• batteries will deliver stronger, consistent performance in temperature extremes
• lighter weight
• greater power and life in deep cycle usage
• increased overall runtime
• stronger vibration resistance

Under a product design provided by Firefly Energy, NorthStar will manufacture a “6T – 3D” carbon-graphite foam lead acid battery.

“This partnership will ultimately offer a compelling next generation of Firefly and NorthStar products across the U.S. military, starting with the U.S. Army, ” said Edward F. Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly Energy.

A123Systems Acquires Hymotion

Tyler Hamilton reports in Clean Break that according to reliable industry sources lithium-ion battery producer A123Systems has quietly acquired Hymotion, a Canadian company that converts hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The acquisition of Hymotion would be very synergistic to A123's activities.

A123 has a MOU with Cobasys to do systems integration and manufacturing of battery systems for HEV markets, it  has a $15 million contract to develop lithium iron phosphate battery technology for the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), and a contract with GM to develop li-ion batteries for prototype Saturn Green Line Vue plug-in hybrid SUVs.

Hymotion currently has systems available to convert Toyota Prius, Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids to plug-in hybrids.

Nissan and NEC to Produce Li-ion Batteries by 2009

In somewhat of a surprise move Nissan and NEC announced today that they have signed an agreement to establish a joint-venture company, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), to develop and market advanced lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications with production starting in 2009.

According to their press release:

AESC will mass produce lithium-ion batteries with a set of unique properties that makes them a highly competitive and appealing energy-generation solution for automotive application. Among the multiple advantages that the new batteries will offer are cutting-edge and environmentally-friendly technology, cost competitiveness, superior performance, safety, and versatility.

"Together, Nissan and NEC's engineers have addressed the key challenges of cost, performance, safety and reliability - we believe that we have a breakthrough technology in the lithium-ion battery product we will produce. Through AESC, this battery will be made available to all automakers, and we expect this could further accelerate the development of future generations of eco-friendly vehicles," explained Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President of Nissan.

Altair Strategy to Risky?

This item raises the question as to whether Altair Nanotechnologies (NASDAQ: ALTI) is taking a too risky approach to marketing its batteries by tying up exclusively with Phoenix Motor Cars.

Altair: Nano Pretender No More
Josh Wolfe, Forbes/Wolfe Nanotech Report, 04/05/07

President Bush recently inspected an all-electric battery-powered truck produced by Phoenix Motorcar, featuring Altair's NanoSafe power system. ... ALTI rocketed 18% over the next seven trading days. ...

[Phoenix] has closed some impressive partnerships and supplying agreements of late, including deals with aluminum giant Alcoa and Pacific Gas & Electric, both of which are buying Phoenix's vehicles for use as delivery vans. ...

Another nano battery maker, MIT spinoff A123 Systems, has closed partnerships and supplying deals with giants such as General Motors and Black & Decker. Why work with A123's technology over Altair's? Altair is tied up with Phoenix, which has an exclusive supply agreement. ...

If Phoenix cars are in high demand and it is efficient at manufacturing, Altair will prosper. ...

If Phoenix's vehicles are not successful, Altair is doomed to become an also-ran.

DOE, USABC $28 million Solicitation for PHEV Battery Development

DOE press release: This week the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will provide up to $14 million in funding for a $28 million cost-shared solicitation by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery development. This research aims to find solutions to improving battery performance so vehicles can deliver up to 40 miles of electric range without recharging. This would include most round trip daily commutes. ...

This research builds on President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative ... Twenty in Ten plan, targeting a twenty percent reduction in gasoline usage by 2017 through greater use of alternative fuels and increased vehicle efficiency.

DOE and USABC seek to identify electrochemical storage technologies capable of meeting or approaching USABC’s criteria for performance, weight, life-cycle, and cost. Other considerations include the potential to commercialize proposed battery technologies and bring them to market quickly. ...

0-60 mph in 1.5 Seconds on Bike Powered by A123 Batteries

In a blatant, but still revealing, advertising gimmick A123Systems, made this announcement today.

April 5, 2007 – A123Systems today announced that The KillaCycle, the world’s quickest electric motorcycle and the official world record holder in the ¼ mile drag, broke the world record again using its lithium-ion batteries. The official record for any electric vehicle worldwide in the ¼ mile is set now at an elapsed time of 8.16 seconds.  Further, The KillaCycle holds the top speed record for the ¼ mile, at a blistering 156mph.

Powered by 990 A123Systems Nanophosphate cells™, The KillaCycle set the new world record for the fourth time in two days at the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) event at the Firebird Speedway in Chandler, AZ on Saturday, March 31, 2007.  Weighing just over 165 pounds, the A123Systems battery pack delivers over 350 horsepower to the motorcycle drivetrain and holds 7.5 kWh of energy. With the A123Systems battery pack, The KillaCycle goes from 0 to 60mph in under 1.5 seconds.

Update on Saft-Johnson Controls Joint Venture

In The Energy Blogs efforts to keep up with all developmente regarding lithium batteries, the following was found in the Saft Groupe SA Reports Full Year 2006 Earnings report.

John Searle, Chairman of the Management Board, commented: "I am particularly encouraged by the progress made by JC-S, our hybrid vehicle joint venture, during its first year, which leaves this business well-positioned for future success."

In January 2006, Johnson Controls and Saft created Johnson Controls - Saft Advanced Power Solutions LLC ("JC-S"), a joint venture with the objective of becoming the leading Western supplier of batteries for Hybrid and Electric vehicles ("HEV's"). Saft's proven expertise in high-performance, advanced battery technologies complements the strengths of Johnson Controls in high-volume production capabilities and outstanding knowledge of the global car industry. ...

The joint venture has already announced the following successes since its creation:

• Award of a contract from the USABC consortium to accelerate development of li-ion batteries for HEV's
• Signature of a letter of intent with a major car manufacturer for 2 li-ion HEV programmes. As a result, JC-S is now building a manufacturing plant for li-ion batteries at Saft's RBS Nersac site
• Award of a contract by General Motors to develop li-ion batteries for a future plug-in hybrid version of the Saturn Vue SUV

In the light of these successes and other opportunities, the partners have agreed to increase the joint venture's budgeted capital expenditure and operating costs.

A123Systems Li-ion Battery in Prius

An A123Systems employee shows off a plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius with the company's battery inside it at MIT's Energy 2.0 Conference, which took place March 9 and 10. Combined with the Prius' existing battery, a person can drive about 30 miles to 35 miles per day and recharge at night.

Atairnano Receives More Funding

In a recent press release Altairnano (Nasdaq: ALTI) announced that it had received a $3 million investment from AES Corporation (NYSE: AES).

AES privately purchased 895,523 treasury shares of Altair common stock at $3.35 per share. The purchased shares represent approximately 1.5% of Altair’s outstanding common shares. AES Corporation and its subsidiaries engage in the generation and distribution of electric power.

inside greentech had a good summary of Altairnanos latest activities. There is a particularly good interview with Altairnano's CEO Alan Gotcher in which he explains how technology from such a small company could produce such a revolutionary product. Thats for you to read, but one item was this:

Electric Vans for French Post Office

Electric Cars Gather Speed
David Gauthier Villars, Wall Street Journal Online (subscription required)

In late 2005, France's state-run postal service began a trial of eight experimental in an effort to meet a government requirement to reduce pollution.

Not only did the vans work well and prove cheaper to operate than gasoline-powered ones, but the mailmen who drove them reported higher job satisfaction. Now, La Poste is working on a five-year plan to replace the bulk of its 48,000-vehicle fleet with electric cars.

"The car works great, with almost no maintenance," says Patrick Widloecher, La Poste's director for environmental affairs. "We're ready to order more." ...

The cars La Poste used were developed by Société de Véhicules Électriques (SVE), ... and were outfitted with a specially designed lithium-ion battery developed by a joint venture of Milwaukee car-parts maker Johnson Controls Inc. and French battery company Saft Groupe. ...

ABAT Polymer-Lithium-Ion Batteries for 3,000 Chinese Garbage Trucks

Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. Signs Contract to Supply PLI Battery Cells for Electric Sanitation Trucks for 2008 Olympics
Advanced Battery press release, March 1, 2007

Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: ABAT), a developer and manufacturer of rechargeable Polymer-Lithium-Ion ("PLI") batteries, announced today that it has signed a sales contract with Beijing Guoqiang Global Technology Development Co., Ltd. ("BGTDC") to supply a total of 3,000 sets of PLI battery cell packs for use in 3,000 electric garbage trucks specially designed for the 2008 Olympics Games. This contract when fully executed is worth RMB 81,000,000 or about $10,000,000. The first batch of 200 sets of PLI battery cell packs shall be delivered no later than the 20th workday in May 2007.The balance of the order shall be delivered on 15 day increments upon notice by the buyer, which will continue until the completion of this contract or within one year from February 25, 2007.

The garbage trucks will feature a permanent magnetic brushless DC motor, powered by the Company's proprietary PLI battery cells.

This is the largest order I have seen for lithium batteries. Although no capacity was given, at $3,333.00 each they seem to be at about the price you would expect for these batteries. It does not state whether they are BEVs or a hybrids, the implication I get is that they are either BEVs or serial hybrids.

Wind Energy to Charge Vehicle Batteries, Reduce Peak Demand

PG&E eyes power grid plan to boost electric cars
Leonard Anderson, Reuters, February 23, 2007

California's biggest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., is considering a plan to charge fleets of battery-powered cars overnight with wind energy and let consumers sell back some of the stored electricity during the day.

In addition to reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from standard cars, the plan could help stoke production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and give power managers more energy capacity on the grid for hot summer afternoons, speakers said at a "clean technology" investment conference in San Francisco this week. ...

A power grid-to-car-batteries hookup, however, is probably at least five to six years away, Felix Kramer, founder of CalCars, said at the cleantech conference. ...

Toyota to Use Lithium-Ion Batteries in Third Generation Hybrids

Toyota's Bid for a Better Battery

Business Week Online, March 5, 2007

CEO Watanabe confirms that Toyota will develop new lithium-ion batteries for its third-generation hybrids ...In an interview with BusinessWeek on Feb. 16, Chief Executive Katsuaki Watanabe confirmed that Toyota's third-generation hybrid cars, due out in late 2008 or early 2009, will use lithium-ion batteries. Lighter and more powerful than the current nickel metal hydride packs, the new batteries will help make for more fuel-efficient hybrids. ... "We can develop the battery in time," he says. ... "We are now aiming at reducing, by half, both size and cost of the third-generation hybrid system," says Watanabe.

A123 Gets Charge From GE

GE Helps Charge Up Promising Lithium-Ion Battery Company 
Source: GE Finance press release

February 14, 2007 -- A123Systems, ... recently received a timely recharge from a group of investors. GE, in addition to acting as lead investor in A123’s latest fund-raising effort, a $40 million series D equity round which closed January 24, is also looking to see where A123Systems’ proprietary energy-storage technology can accelerate work already underway at GE on clean energy products. GE’s Global Research Center announced in late 2006 the first formal program, a $13MM joint initiative with A123Systems to develop a zero-emissions hybrid fuel cell bus.

A123Systems is one of the leading suppliers of high power lithium-ion batteries that use a doped nanophosphate lithium-ion technology to provide higher power density, longer life, better safety, and a much faster recharge. The Company, founded in 2001 by scientists from MIT, supplies batteries to Black & Decker for a new line of high-performance, cordless power tools ...

A123 press release

A123Systems will use these funds to scale its technology development and manufacturing capacity for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) batteries, as well as to support the fast growing demand in the power tool, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and consumer applications markets. ...

Altairnano Broadens Involvement in Electric Cars, Forms Alliance with UQM

UQM Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: UQM) and Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALTI) jointly announced today that they have formed a strategic alliance to collaboratively pursue opportunities for their complementary proprietary technologies in advanced transportation and other high potential markets. By collaborating the two parties hope to be able to accelerate the commercialization of their proprietary technologies.

The two are currently collaborating on the development and commercial launch of an all-electric sport utility truck (SUT) for Phoenix Motorcars, Inc, which is being integrated and tested by Boshart Engineering.   

Ford Unveils Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle

Tech Trifecta: Ford Unveils Fuel Cell, Hybrid Electric Edge, with a Plug!

Ford press release via Autoblog Ford cut the fuel cell's size, weight and cost in half and said their approach would double the lifespan of the fuel cell's stack. Ford's plug-in hybrid Edge operates in "battery only" mode for the first 25 miles, moving at speeds of up to 85 mph. When the battery is depleted to 40 percent, it seamlessly shifts to the fuel-cell mode, which recharges the battery for 200 more miles of range. ....

A123 Receives Additional $40 Million in Financing

Battery Maker Receives $40M Jolt

By info@redherring.com (RedHerring) on Energy

A123Systems said Thursday it raised $40 million in its fourth round of venture capital funding, bringing the total for the battery maker to $102 million. A123Systems will use funding to expand product line and increase manufacturing. ....

Electovaya Launces Higher Energy Density, Lower Cost "MN-Series" Li-ion Battery

Electrovaya Inc. (OTC: EFLV.PK), Toronto, Canada has launched the "MN-Series" Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® battery technology. The MN-Series, which is a Lithiated Manganese Oxide based system, differentiates itself from Electrovaya's Phosphate-Series solution with up to 50% higher energy density while retaining its safety characteristics.

Their website states that their proprietary Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® batteries have an energy density of 470-watt hours per liter, a higher energy density than other rechargeable battery technology currently in commercial production. This would make the the energy density of the MN-series batteries on the order of 700 Wh/liter. The higher energy density directly contributes to their batteries having significantly longer run-times for their size (my italics) than any rechargeable batteries currently in commercial production.

Electrovaya's proprietary Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® technology is independent of the composition of the positive electrode active material. As such, advances in positive electrode chemistry, such as the MN-Series, are expected to enable better technical performance and safety characteristics at more economical price-points. Their previous batteries were claimed to be cost competitive with other manufacturers of lithium ion or lithium ion polymer batteries, so we should expect some reduction in price.