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Hitachi Maxell Expanding Li-Ion Electrode Production for Hitachi Vehicle Energy
1 August 2008
Tech-On. Hitachi Maxell will install manufacturing equipment in a new plant in Kyoto, Japan to produce electrodes for Li-ion batteries for use in electrically-powered vehicles such as hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids and electric cars.
Operation will start in March 2009, according to the company. Initially, the electrodes will be provided to Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a joint venture between Hitachi, Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co. Ltd. and Hitachi Maxwell Ltd. to develop, manufacture and market rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles and other applications. (Earlier post.)
“I believe we can make the best electrode in the world, and we hope to expand the sales to other manufacturers as well,” said Yoshito Tsunoda, President and CEO of Hitachi Maxell, about the company’s plan.
Hitachi Maxell Ltd announced the electrode expansion during its financial results meeting on 30 July. The company also outlined its battery strategy for portable devices, including the introduction of a new Si-alloy electrode in 2009.
August 1, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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Posted by: rob | August 01, 2008 at 05:47 PM
We have had good enough batteries for hybrid electric cars for more than ten years. No new electrode will suddenly make hybrid electric cars possible. Lead-Acid batteries were used on a high performance TZERO prototype almost ten years ago. Plug-In-Hybrids are the answer to range and low cost and low imported fuel consumption. Lead-Acid batteries have made useful savings in the cost of operating a Prius and Ron Gremban, CALCARS, has showed us how to do even better.
High efficiency plug-in-hybrid cars must be required by law just as high efficiency shower heads and toilets are for them to be built and sold at affordable prices. People do not need a 200 HP TESLA to get to work or even a 20 HP TESLA.
Posted by: Henry Gibson | August 01, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I'm glad to see that it looks like we'll finally be getting some cars with characteristics that make them desirable to the average person due to battery advancement. Think I'll buy some Hitachi stock.
Posted by: Elliot | August 01, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Henry,
what people need and what people can have are two different things. Human beings do not NEED art museums, poetry or lovingly made dinners. They can survive well without these things. But life is not an exercise in efficiency or adherence to the laws of thermodynamics. It is IMO, something of a shadow play in which enjoyment, happiness and an appreciation for imagination and creativity are a central part. Finding the balance between aesthetics and practicality is a part of human evolution.
While this site is largely a discussion of technical ways to make a greener world - let's not forget that green is a euphemism for nature. Appreciation of the natural world is aesthetic appreciation. Let's not condemn those who choose aesthetic pleasures respectful of the habitat. After all, isn't the loss of quality of life a major reason for the choice to end life?
Posted by: gr | August 04, 2008 at 07:38 AM
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IIRC, the primary customer for Hitachi Vehicle Energy is GM, they provide batteries for the BAS system.
Anyone know who is going to be getting the batteries these electrodes are going in?