E-One Moli to Introduce New High-Power Li-Ion Cell

20 June 2008

E-Moli is addressing the cycle life of its current high-power LiMn2O4 cells with the new generation of material. Cycle characteristics of the current IMR-26700A high-power cell shown. Click to enlarge.

E-One Moli Energy Corp.(Molicel) will introduce its new generation of manganese spinel-based high-power lithium-ion batteries at the 14th International Meeting on Lithium Batteries (IMLB 2008) starting Sunday in Tianjin, China. The new generation of cell features better rate capability and cycle life, and is intended to match iron phosphate materials (LiFePO₄) with longer cycle and calendar life.

The new high-power battery offers a capacity retention rate of more than 80% after 1,200 cycles and safety, even under harsh conditions. E-one Moli said it is launching the cell for use in cordless tools, electric bicycles, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

E-One Moli (Molicel), based in Taiwan, currently manufactures and markets a variety of cylindrical and prismatic lithium-ion cells for the portable market, using four different cathode materials:

• Lithium cobalt dioxide, LiCoO₂ (energy cell). 3.7 V.
• Lithium manganese oxide, LiMn₂O₄ spinel (power cell). 3.8V.
• NMC,composed of LiNi, Mn, Co, and O₂ (high-rate cell). 3.8V.
• Lithium iron phosphate, LiFePO₄ (high-rate cell). 3.2V.

The largest of E-Moli’s current generation of manganese spinel cells—the IMR-26700A—has a nominal capacity of 2900 mAh, with a volumetric energy density of 285 Wh/L and a gravimetric density of 110 Wh/kg. Maximum discharge is 20A, maximum charge is 3.7A.