Batteries
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to Award $45M to 16 Low-Carbon Vehicle Projects
May 08, 2008
The UK’s Technology Strategy Board has selected 16 projects to receive £23 million (US$45 million) in government investment through the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform. (Earlier post.) Including investments by the companies involved, the total value of the development projects will be £52 million (US$102 million).
The sixteen new research, development and demonstration projects represent the first investment by the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform since it was established in the autumn of 2007, and follows an open competition launched in September. The government investment is equally provided by the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Electrovaya Negotiating Supply Agreement with Phoenix Motorcars for Li-ion Packs
May 06, 2008
Electrovaya Inc. is negotiating a purchase and supply agreement and has begun work on a lithium-ion battery pack design and production program with Phoenix Motorcars.
Electrovaya’s program will be focused on the production of integrated battery systems for Phoenix Motorcars’ long-range, zero-emission, electric sports utility vehicles and sport utility trucks. These systems will use Electrovaya’s MN-Series (a lithiated manganese oxide-based system) Lithium-Ion SuperPolymer batteries and integrated intelligent battery management system (iBMS).
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
USABC Finalizes $12.5M PHEV Battery Development Contract With A123Systems
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), an organization whose members are Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation, has finalized a $12.5 million plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery technology development contract with A123Systems for 10- and 40-mile electric range PHEVs.
USABC awarded the 36-month contract in collaboration with the US Department of Energy (DOE), which previously announced the award (earlier post), pending agreement on all terms and conditions.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Initiates New Energy Frontier Research Centers; $100M for Multiple Awards Beginning in 2009
April 26, 2008
 |
| Cover of the 2007 BER report on needs for energy storage—one of 10 in the Basic Research needs series underpinning the EFRC initiative. Click to enlarge. |
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences is initiating Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies for the 21st century. DOE anticipates that approximately $100 million will be available for multiple EFRC awards starting in FY 2009.
Examples of areas of research focus include, but are not limited to: the direct conversion of solar energy to electricity and chemical fuels; understanding how biological feedstocks are converted into portable fuels; a new generation of radiation-tolerant materials and chemical separation processes for fission applications; energy storage systems; energy utilization and transmission; and science-based geological carbon sequestration.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
MIRA Introduces Plug-in Hybrid Retrofit System with Removable Li-ion Pack
April 25, 2008
 |
| The H4V on the test track. |
MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association), a UK-based automotive design, development and certification consultancy, has unveiled a plug-in hybrid retrofit system with the potential to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions by 39%, and applied it in a demonstrator vehicle.
The ‘H4V’ (Hybrid 4 wheel drive Vehicle) features a novel removable lithium-ion phosphate battery pack. MIRA built the technology demonstrator around a Skoda Fabia with funding from the Energy Saving Trust’s Low Carbon R&D program.
More... | Comments (30) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Develop Renewable Organic Electrode Material for Li-Ion Batteries
|
| Simplified cycle life of a sustainable Li-ion battery. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Université de Picardie Jules Verne in France have developed a new renewable organic electrode material—the oxocarbon salt Li2C6O6—for lithium-ion batteries. The material demonstrates high capacity—better than some conventional inorganic electrode materials—and good thermal stability, although a relatively poor cycle life.
While research on organic electrodes has been underway for 25 years, earlier attempts were characterized by low capacities or other limitations. The new oxocarbon salt starts from a renewable resource (i.e. myo-inositol) and shows a reversible capacity as high as 580 mAhg-1 for a specific energy density of about 1,300 Whkg-1 of active material.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Argonne Tests EnerDel Li-Ion HEV Pack in a Prius
April 24, 2008
Testing of EnerDel’s 1.1 kWh lithium-ion pack for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) (earlier post) by the Center for Transportation Research of Illinois-based Argonne National Laboratory corroborated the company’s earlier claims of energy; power and efficiency; and thermal performance, according to the company.
EnerDel integrated its battery system into a Toyota Prius, with no material modifications made to the Prius other than the integration of the battery system. EnerDel’s choice of active materials for its HEV cell is LiMn2O4 - spinel (LMO) for the cathode and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO, lithium titanate) for the anode.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Mitsui Mining and Smelting Develops New Silicon-Based Anode for Li-Ion Batteries
 |
| Cross-sectional views and structure of SILX. CLick to enlarge. |
Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. has developed a new silicon-based anode material—SILX—which enables higher capacity and power in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The company plans to begin commercialization of SILX in 2010 through partnerships with battery manufacturers and OEMs.
Silicon is conceptually an attractive anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical charge capacity (4,200 mAh g-1—more than 10 times that of graphite anodes and much larger than various nitride and oxide materials) and low discharge potential. However, silicon anodes are problematic because the material’s volume changes by up to 400% upon the insertion and extraction of lithium ions during charge/discharge cycles. This results in pulverization and capacity fading.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Self-Supporting Cobalt Oxide Nanowire Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries Offer High Capacities and Rate Capabilities
April 22, 2008
 |
| SEM images of Co3O4 nanowire arrays growing on Ti foil viewed when tilted by 40°. The inset shows the open tips of the nanowires. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Ohio State University (OSU) led by Professor Yiying Wu have developed a lithium-ion battery anode material from nanowire arrays of a cobalt oxide (Co3O4) that offers increased rate capabilities for high-powered applications, improves the cyclic properties in a rapid charge/discharge process, and increases the energy capacities.
As detailed earlier this year in the journal Nano Letters, at a current of 1C, the self-supported nanowire arrays maintain a stable capacity of 700 mAh/g after 20 discharge/charge cycles. When the current is increased to 50C, 50% of the capacity can be retained. OSU is offering the technology for licensing.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Nickel Silicide Nanobelts and Sheets in Li-ion Anodes Boost Capacity
April 19, 2008
 |
| Electrochemical performance of the Ni silicide nanosheets (comprising Ni3Si and Ni31Si12) grown on a Ni foil substrate and of the Ni silicide nanobelts (Ni3Si) grown on a Ni foam substrate. Click to enlarge. |
Using nickel silicide nanobelts and sheets as anode materials can boost the capacity of high energy density lithium-ion batteries, according to researchers from Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science in China. In a paper published in Nanotechnology, Hui-Ming Cheng and his colleagues report a reversible capacity of more than 540 mAh g-1 using the nickel silicide material.
While that electrochemical capacity is lower than that provided by some silicon nanotube composites (more than 720 mAh g-1), it is significantly higher than the 350 mAh g-1 average capacity of current graphite anodes. The researchers found that the capacity can be maintained even for the 20th cycle in a standard Li+ half-cell.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Johnson Controls-Saft and Maxwell Technologies to Collaborate in Development of Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries for HEVs
April 16, 2008
Battery maker Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) and ultracapacitor maker Maxwell Technologies, Inc. have entered a collaboration in which Maxwell will produce lithium-ion battery electrodes for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) for testing and evaluation by Johnson Controls-Saft.
The electrodes for Li-Ion battery applications will incorporate Maxwell’s proprietary dry process originally developed to produce carbon powder-based ultracapacitor electrode material. The collaboration will demonstrate optimized performance while reducing energy consumption, solvent recovery and capital investment.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Fraunhofer ISC Showing Li-Ion Polymer Battery with ORMOCER Electrolyte at Hannover Messe
April 11, 2008
 |
| ORMOCER is a family of inorganic-organic hybrid polymers. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers from the Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung (ISC) will present their most recent work on developing a lithium-ion polymer battery at the upcoming Hannover Messe, 21-25 April. The cells use a polymer electrolyte derived from ORMOCER (ORganically MOdified CERamics) materials—inorganic-organic hybrid polymers also developed at Fraunhofer.
A polymer electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries can offer a number of advantages such as design flexibility and stability under abusive conditions, but it can also be a less efficient conductor of the lithium ions. Fraunhofer has been working with ORMOCER materials over the last 10 years to optimize its properties for use in Li-ion cells (among other applications).
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Ohio Awards $17M in Advanced Energy Grants; Major Focus on Alternative Fuels
March 26, 2008
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has awarded more than $12 million in grants to 17 Ohio-based entities to accelerate the development and growth of the advanced energy industry in Ohio. Awards for advanced energy were selected from the wind, solar, alternative fuel, energy storage and instruments, controls, and electronics sectors.
The eight alternative fuels projects (47% of the projects) captured more than $5.6 million of the funding (47%). Three energy storage projects (17.7%) netted almost $1.5 million (12.5%).
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Soliciting Projects in Thermoelectric Vehicular HVAC and Waste Heat Recovery; Li-Ion Materials and Manufacturing for PHEVs; and Aerodynamic Trailers
March 24, 2008
In a wide-ranging set of solicitations, the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies (VT) Program, through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), is seeking applications for cost-shared projects in three areas of interest: thermoelectric (TE) vehicular heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); materials and manufacturing technologies for high-energy lithium-ion batteries targeted for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs); and the fleet evaluation and factory installation of aerodynamic heavy-duty truck trailers.
Approximately $13 million will be available from DOE for the programs, which are anticipated to run from 2.5 to 3 years, depending upon the area of interest: $7.5 million for TE HVAC; $4.5 million for Li-ion materials and manufacturing; and $1 million for the aerodynamic trailer evaluation.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
Argonne Licenses New Lithium-Ion Cathode Technology to Toda Kogyo
March 20, 2008
The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and Toda Kogyo Corp. (Toda) of Japan have reached a world-wide, non-exclusive licensing agreement for the commercial production and sales of Argonne’s patented composite lithiated nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
The family of structurally integrated composite cathode materials being licensed utilizes a new combination of lithium/manganese mixed metal oxides in a new materials-design approach that can deliver a much higher capacity than current cathode materials, while also providing structural and thermal stability. This leads, in practice, to extending the time between charges, increasing calendar life and improving lithium-ion cell safety in applications ranging from cell phones to hybrid-electric vehicles.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
NRC Report Says FreedomCAR Making Significant Progress; Calls for Midcourse Shift in Strategic Planning
March 19, 2008
The FreedomCAR (Cooperative Automotive Research) and Fuel Partnership research collaboration has made significant progress in most research areas, according to a new report from the National Research Council (NRC), but should reassess its strategic priorities to account for new national and changed research priorities.
Among other recommendations, the review committee called for the Partnership to “significantly intensify” its efforts to develop high-energy batteries; and to “move forward aggressively” with completing and executing its R&D plan for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
More... | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
Ricardo Establishing Center for Development of Battery Systems for HEVs, PHEVs and EVs
March 18, 2008
Engineering firm Ricardo, Inc., is establishing a Battery Systems Development Center at its Van Buren Twp., Michigan headquarters to offer turnkey engineering and development of complete high-voltage battery-pack systems for hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV).
Prototype pack systems will undergo development in three specially built development chambers equipped with robust safety and filtration systems. Each will feature high-capacity EV/HEV-capable battery cyclers, high-voltage instrumentation, hardware-in-the-loop systems and other equipment to enable the development of battery systems in simulated vehicle environments.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Hythane Company Proposes Using Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tank for Regen Energy Storage
Hythane Company LLC, the wholly-owned US subsidiary of Eden Energy, is proposing integrating a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system within the walls of a cryogenic storage vessel for liquid hydrogen to create a hybrid on-board fuel/electrical energy storage device that could capture electrical energy from a regenerative braking system or other engine generation system in addition to storing the fuel.
The fuel tank itself would thus become a storage device to capture electrical energy from a regenerative braking system or other engine generation system, reducing or eliminating the need for on-board batteries. Hythane Company has just received a US patent for this integrated concept: “Cryogenic Container and Superconductivity Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) System”.
More... | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Announces Inaugural Global Research Partnership Investigator Winners
March 15, 2008
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has named the winners of its Global Research Partnership (GRP) Investigator competition. Twelve international scientists—among them Dr. Yi Cui at Stanford (silicon nanowires for li-ion batteries) and Dr. Bruce Logan at Penn State (microbial fuel cells)—were selected as KAUST GRP investigators for the 2007 round of nominations, which featured more than 60 submissions from 38 of the world’s leading research universities.
GRP investigators receive five-year individual grants to investigate a wide range of research topics. As an example, Dr. Logan’s grant is for $10 million.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Think Global Gets Investment from GE, Launches TH!NK City, Introduces New Crossover EV Concept and Signs Li-Ion Supply Deal with A123Systems
March 05, 2008
 |
| The TH!NK City. |
At the Geneva Motor Show, Norwegian electric car manufacturer Think Global presented a new investment relationship with GE, which is putting $4 million into Think via GE Energy Financial Services to further ramp up GE’s efforts to enable global electrification of transportation.
Think also launched its TH!NK City electric vehicle, unveiled a five-seat crossover concept car—the TH!NK Ox—and announced a commercial supply agreement with lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123Systems. The TH!NK City now offers a choice of three battery packs: a 28 kWh Zebra sodium nickel chloride pack, a 26 kWh Li-ion pack from Enerdel and a 19 kWh Li-ion pack from A123Systems.
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
Continental and Johnson Controls-Saft Teaming on Energy Storage for Mercedes S400 BlueHYBRID
March 03, 2008
Continental and Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) are teaming on the lithium-ion battery pack for the upcoming series-production Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID sedan (earlier post), a mild hybrid sedan due to enter production in 2009. As announced earlier, JCS is providing the cells. (Earlier post.) Continental is the pack integrator and will also supply power electronics: the inverter and the DC/DC converter.
For thermal management, Daimler is integrating the lithium-ion battery into the vehicle’s climate control system to ensure that the battery always works at optimal system temperatures of between 15° and 35°C.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Office of Vehicle Technology Annual Merit Review Underway; Highlights Program Focus on Deployment and Commercialization
February 26, 2008
The US DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office of Vehicle Technology (OVT) is hosting an annual merit review meeting this week in Washington DC for all of its funded research and deployment projects—the first such combined “big tent” review for all active projects.
There will be more emphasis to come on deployment activities to help get the technology out, said James Eberhardt, Chief Scientist for OVT, in his introduction to the meeting. This increasing pressure for deployment is altering the project portfolio composition and is driven primarily by the goal of reducing the consumption of petroleum by 4-6 million barrels per day and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by 50% compared to the projected base case scenario in 2030, said Ed Wall, OVT Program Manager, in his overview.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Exploring New Li-Ion Anode Material That Could Increase Safety and Provide a Power Boost
February 25, 2008
 |
| Perspective plot of the layered structure of LiNiN. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom are reporting development of a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries that could ease concerns about safety, while delivering a power boost, according to a new study scheduled for publication in the 11 March issue of Chemistry of Materials, a bi-weekly journal of the American Chemical Society.
In the new study, M. Rosa Palacín at the Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, (CSIC) and colleagues at the University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, and University of Glasgow compared the performance of Li-ion batteries made with negative electrodes composed of lithium nickel nitride (LiNiN) to conventional Li-ion batteries containing conventional carbonaceous anodes. They found that the new materials are more efficient than the conventional electrodes and less likely to overheat.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Lithium Technology Corporation Introduces New High-Energy Lithium-Ion Battery Line; Targeting EVs and Commercial Vehicles
February 22, 2008
 |
| A frame from a newscast showing the LTC GAIA battery in the prototype Project Better Place EV sedan. Click to enlarge. |
Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) has introduced a new line of high energy density lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, the largest cells of their kind in the world. This product line is targeted at consumer and commercial electric vehicles (EV) and some plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) markets. As an example of the target market, an earlier version of the new LTC battery is in operation with the first Project Better Place prototype electric sedan. (Earlier post.)
The new high-energy line offers cells ranging from 8 Ah to 40 Ah, with nominal voltage of 3.2V. The specific energy is about 90 Wh/kg, and the volumetric density is approximately 220 Wh/L, according to Dr. Klaus Brandt, LTC’s CEO. Internal resistance will be in the range of 3-4 milliOhms.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Axion Providing Lead-Acid Ultracapacitor Hybrid Batteries for Demonstration Projects With the US Army and Penn State University
February 21, 2008
 |
| Ragone plot of the PbC (e3 Supercell) and other storage technologies. Click to enlarge. |
Axion Power International, Inc. is providing “PbC Ultracapacitors” (PbC)—multi-celled asymmetrically supercapacitive lead-acid-carbon hybrid batteries—to the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University for testing in conjunction with the US Army’s Tank and Automobile Command (TACOM). The PbC is a hybrid device that uses the standard lead acid battery positive electrode and a supercapacitor negative electrode that is made of activated carbon. (Earlier post.)
The TACOM project will cover a broad range of established and emerging military vehicle applications including starting, lighting and ignition systems (SLI) for diesel engines that operate in extreme weather conditions; hybrid electric vehicle drive systems; silent watch systems; and other military applications where the lighter weight, higher power, and longer cycle-life of Axion’s PbC Ultracapacitors will improve the performance of existing systems and facilitate the roll out of new systems.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Valence Technology to Supply Additional 600 Li-Ion Modules to OEMtek for PHEV Conversions
February 19, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
By the end of February, Valence Technology, Inc. will ship an additional 600 custom modules of Valence’s Lithium-ion batteries to OEMtek for use in the conversion of Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles into Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Valence previously supplied OEMtek with 300 modules for installation in vehicles which are now being shipped to customers.
Valence’s custom module for OEMtek’s BREEZ (Battery Range Extender EZ) 9 kWh PHEV battery pack is composed of standard-size 18650 cylindrical lithium-phosphate cells. Assuming a nominal module voltage of 14.6V, achieved by placing four 3.65V cells in series, 19 modules would be required to achieve OEMtek’s rated pack voltage of 277V.
More... | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
To PHEV or Not To PHEV (At Least in the Near-Term)
February 17, 2008
 |
| Menahem Anderman’s value analysis for advanced vehicles. Anderman argues that because the benefit delta between HEVs and conventional vehicles is larger than that of the jump between HEVs and PHEVs, and because PHEVs carry a much larger negative impact, the appropriate near- to medium-term focus is on building the HEV market. Click to enlarge. |
Two of the consistent threads in the discussions and presentations of the 2008 SAE Hybrid Vehicle Technology Symposium last week in San Diego were (a) explorations of the near- to -medium-term technical viability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)—which mainly (although not entirely) means the viability of the lithium-ion battery technology—and (b) the desirability of pursuing PHEVs now, versus alternatives such as focusing on broadening the conventional HEV market and treating PHEVs as a longer range solution.
Looming over both threads was the question of market demand and behavior: would a sufficient number of consumers buy PHEVs to make the effort required to develop and to produce them financially and environmentally worthwhile?
More... | Comments (95) | TrackBack (0)
Nissan Tests Next-Gen Li-Ion Packs in US
February 15, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
 |
| Nissan has been running extended field testing of its new Li-ion batteries in a fleet of Tino hybrids in the US. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan Motor has been field-testing a fleet of 20 Tino hybrids equipped with its next-generation Li-ion battery packs for the last three years in the US, with up to 240,000 km (150,000 miles) accumulated on one of the vehicles. Nissan made a limited introduction of the Tino hybrid in Japan in 2000.
Toshio Hirota of Nissan outlined the program and provided some insight into the automaker’s lithium-ion battery research in a presentation at the 2008 SAE Hybrid Vehicle Technology Symposium this week in San Diego.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Valence Technology to Provide Lithium Phosphate Battery Packs to The Tanfield Group
February 07, 2008
|
| The US version of the Smith Electric Vehicle Newton. |
Valence Technology, Inc. has entered into a contract with The Tanfield Group Plc to manufacture and supply Lithium Phosphate energy storage systems to power Tanfield’s all-electric commercial delivery vehicles. The Valence battery systems will be installed in vans and trucks produced by Tanfield’s UK-based trading division, Smith Electric Vehicles, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vans and trucks.
Under the agreement, Tanfield will purchase up to $70 million of Valence products in the contract’s first phase. Valence has already received a firm purchase order for the first calendar quarter.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Proposed Department of Energy Budget for 2009 Boosts Coal, Nuclear, Science and Biomass Programs; Reduces H2, Solar and Vehicle Technology Funding
February 04, 2008
The proposed budget for the US Department of Energy (DOE) in the President’s 2009 Budget outlines discretionary program spending of about $26 billion, up 3.2% from the estimated spending for FY 2008.
The proposed budget significantly boosts spending on coal and nuclear technologies and the DOE Science program, with a smaller increase for biomass and biorefinery R&D. However, funding within the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) program is cut by 28%, down to $1.256 billion, with the reductions coming mainly from funding for hydrogen technology, solar energy, vehicle technologies, facilities and infrastructure, and the weatherization program.
More... | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)
Electrovaya Launches Maya-300 Low-Speed Electric Vehicle; Using ExxonMobil Separator in Batteries
January 23, 2008
 |
| Electrovaya’s Maya-300 will be a zero-emission passenger car with a range of up to 120 miles per charge. |
Electrovaya is launching the Maya-300, a zero-emission, low-speed, all-electric vehicle. It will have an extended range of up to 120 miles on a single charge, powered by Electrovaya’s Lithium-Ion SuperPolymer battery technology with integrated iBMS (intelligent battery management system).
The Maya-300 will use Electrovaya’s lithiated manganese oxide MN-Series batteries with a balanced energy and power density optimization. (Earlier post.) The MN-Series is Electrovaya’s preferred chemistry for transportation because it offers up to 40-60% higher energy density with comparable safety characteristics to its Phosphate-Series offerings.
More... | Comments (30) | TrackBack (0)
CSIRO UltraBattery Passes 100,000 Miles in HEV Track Testing
January 17, 2008
 |
| The 12V, 8.5 Ah prototype UltraBattery for HEVs. |
A hybrid electric test vehicle equipped with a CSIRO UltraBattery system (earlier post) recently passed 100,000 miles (161,000 km) on the test track. The UltraBattery combines an asymmetric 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).
In comparison to conventional Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries, the UltraBattery shows superior input and output power through a wide state of charge (SOC) range and partial state of charge (PSOC) life.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Johnson Controls-Saft Supplying NiMH and Li-ion Batteries for Chery and SAIC Hybrids
January 15, 2008
 |
| The Chery A5 ISG hybrid will use NiMH batteries from Johnson Controls-Saft. |
Johnson Controls-Saft is supplying two Chinese automakers—Chery and SAIC— with NiMH and Li-ion batteries for their emerging hybrid and “new energy” solutions.
Chery will use a NIMH battery system from Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions in its new hybrid A5 ISG sedan to be launched in the latter half of this year. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Firefly Energy Eyeing the Hybrid Market; Lead-Acid Foam Batteries for Mild-Hybrid Applications Heading to DOE for Testing and Validation
January 12, 2008
 |
| Firefly Energy’s 3D2 2V cell compared to conventional lead-acid 2V cell. Click to enlarge. |
On Friday, Peoria, Illinois-based Firefly Energy presented US Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) with a mock up of an HEV cell (based on its first-generation 3D technology) for a mild-hybrid application, similar to what the company will begin to ship to the Department of Energy (DOE) this quarter for validation and testing. Senator Durbin had earlier announced that $3.2 million in federal funds had been budgeted for Firefly, building on approximately $4 million in previous military funding. (Earlier post.)
Buoyed by that funding from the Department of Defense (DOD) '06, '07 and '08 budgets, Firefly Energy has been developing future generations of its carbon graphite foam lead-acid battery technology (earlier post) with an eye to eventually targeting the hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric markets.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
USABC Awards Compact Power, Inc. Lithium-Ion Battery Technology Development Contract for PHEV10s
January 03, 2008
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) has awarded Compact Power, Inc. (CPI) a contract to develop lithium-ion battery technology for 10-mile all-electric range PHEVs (PHEV10s) using CPI’s high energy and high power manganese-spinel cathode chemistry.
The contract is for a 27-month period, beginning this month, and is valued at $12.9 million, with $4.5 million funded through a cost share by the USABC.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Develop New Class of Lithium-Rich Solids with High Lithium Ion Mobility
December 28, 2007
German researchers have developed a new class of inorganic ionic conductor featuring high lithium ion mobility. In ionic conductors, charge is not transported in the form of electrons as it is in metals; instead, the charge is transported in the form of charged particles—typically, lithium ions. This transport requires materials in which the lithium ions can move as freely as possible.
The team, led by Hans-Jörg Deiseroth from the University of Siegen, in cooperation with scientists at the University of Münster, developed a set of argyrodite minerals made of lithium, phosphorus, sulfur, and bromine atoms. They report the characterization of the most conductive representative of the engineered argyrodite minerals in the journal Angewandte Chemie.
More... | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
Panasonic EV Energy Co. Starting Studies Geared to Mass Production of Li-Ion Cells for Toyota
December 25, 2007
Panasonic EV Energy Co., the battery-making joint venture between Toyota and Matsushita, has begun studies at its Omori factory geared to the mass production of lithium-ion batteries, said Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe in his end-of-year press conference. The Omori factory currently produces NiMH cells.
Lithium-ion batteries are better suited than NiMH cells for use in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, Watanabe said. Toyota, Matsushita, and Panasonic EV are currently conducting development on the cells and systems. Toyota’s current prototype plug-in hybrid uses a NiMH battery pack. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (32) | TrackBack (0)
Bolloré Group and Pininfarina to Produce and Sell Lithium-Metal-Polymer Electric Vehicle
December 24, 2007
Bolloré and Pininfarina are teaming up to create a 50/50 joint venture to produce a full electric vehicle to be marketed under the Pininfarina brand.
The vehicle will be a four-seater powered by a lithium-metal polymer (LMP) battery developed by Bolloré, and will support a range of 250 km (155 miles) in an urban environment. The new electric Pininfarina will accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in 4.9 seconds and have a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Explore Improving Li-Ion Energy Capacity and Cycle Life with Silicon Nanowires for Anode Material
December 17, 2007
Silicon is conceptually an attractive anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical charge capacity (4,200 mAh g-1—more than 10 times that of graphite anodes and much larger than various nitride and oxide materials) and low discharge potential. However, silicon anodes are problematic because the material’s volume changes by up to 400% upon the insertion and extraction of lithium ions during charge/discharge cycles. This results in pulverization and capacity fading.
Researchers at Stanford University are trying to circumvent this problem by using silicon nanowires as the anode material. In a letter published online in Nature Nanomaterials, the team reports achieving the theoretical charge capacity for silicon anodes and maintaining a discharge capacity of 75% of the maximum, with little fading under 10 charge/discharge cycles.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
EnerDel to Market Automotive Li-Ion Battery by End of 2008
December 12, 2007
 |
| 1C discharge of an LMO/LTO cell—the type EnerDel uses in its HEV packs—at 30°C. Click to enlarge. |
EnerDel will bring its automotive Lithium-ion battery to market by the end of 2008, said Charles Gassenheimer, chairman of Ener1, Inc., in an interview on Fox Business News.
At the recent EVS-23 in Anaheim, Gassenheimer said that EnerDel was targeting the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) market as its primary market, its “bread and butter”, followed by the electric vehicle market in Europe as number two, and then the nascent plug-in hybrid vehicle market as a potential third.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Toshiba Launches New Li-Ion Battery Business; Plans to Enter Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Market
December 11, 2007
 |
| The SCiB offers high power performance, equivalent to that of an electric double layer capacitor, according to Toshiba. Click to enlarge. |
Toshiba Corporation announced the commercial launch of the SCiB—the Super Charge ion Battery—a fast-charging battery that offers excellent safety and a long-life cycle of over 10 years, even under conditions of constant rapid charging. The safety characteristics of SCiB allow recharge with a current as large as 50 amperes (A), allowing the SCiB Cell and SCiB Standard Module to recharge to 90% of full capacity in only five minutes, according to Toshiba.
Toshiba aims to make the SCiB a mainstay of its industrial systems and automotive products businesses, with global sales of ¥100 billion (US$895 million) targeted for fiscal year 2015. For the automotive market, Toshiba plans initial application in hybrid cars, and intends to extend the application to electric cars in the future after advancing development of a high-performance SCiB cell. The first SCiB will be shipped from March 2008.
More... | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)
Electrovaya to Supply Battery Pack for Raser Plug-in Hybrid Demonstrator Vehicle
December 03, 2007
Raser Technologies is ordering an Electrovaya Lithium Ion SuperPolymer integrated battery system for use in its plug-in hybrid demonstrator vehicle. (Earlier post.)
Electrovaya will provide its batteries, integrated intelligent battery management system and engineering support for integrating complex power systems. Program leader, Raser Technologies, will incorporate its Symetron electric motor and power electronic drive powertrain technology. FEV Engine Technology, Inc. will integrate the vehicle.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Valence Technology Introducing New Large Format Li-Ion Battery Technology at EVS-23
November 30, 2007
Valence Technology will unveil its new large-format lithium-ion battery technology at the International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS-23) starting Sunday at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The new generation of phosphate-based lithium-ion battery systems, branded Epoch, 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.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
Saft Launches First Li-ion Cell Capable of Operating at +125°C
November 27, 2007
Saft has launched the world’s first Li-ion cell capable of operating at temperatures of up to +125°C—an innovation that opens up new possibilities for the design of MWD (Measurement While Drilling) tools. At the same time, Saft has also launched a new D-size primary lithium cell.
The launch of the new VL 25500-125 Li-ion cell and the new LSH 20-150 primary cell is a major development in the design of reliable, cost-effective power sources for electronic equipment operating under the high levels of shock, vibration and pressure and extreme temperatures experienced by MWD tools in the oil and gas exploration industry.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Nickel-Zinc Battery Company Targeting Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market
November 26, 2007
PowerGenix, a San Diego-based high tech company and leading developer of high-performance, sealed rechargeable nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries for power tools and other high performance applications, has brought Dr. Franz Kruger on board as Senior Vice President, Product Development.
Dr. Kruger, the former CEO of Lithium Technology Corporation, a lithium-ion battery developer, will focus on the development of nickel-zinc technology as an energy storage system for the hybrid electric vehicle market.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
CSIRO Invests in Hybrid Energy Storage System Start-Up
 |
| Depiction of hybrid energy storage system (UltraBattery) applied in renewable power generation. Click to enlarge. |
Australia’s CSIRO and Cleantech Ventures have invested in technology start-up Smart Storage Pty Ltd to develop and commercialize energy storage systems based on a hybrid battery which combines an asymmetric supercapacitor and a lead-acid battery in a single unit cell. Advanced materials used for the electrodes and current management absorb and release charge rapidly and at efficiencies well above conventional battery types.
Director of the CSIRO Energy Transformed National Research Flagship Dr John Wright said the Smart Storage battery technology aims to deliver a low cost, high performance, high power stationary energy storage solution suitable for grid-connected and remote applications.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Tokai Carbon to Launch Li-Ion Anode Material Business in 2010
November 25, 2007
 |
| Tokai carbon nanospheres range from 200-500 nm in diameter. |
Tokai Carbon has developed carbon nanospheres with an average particle diameter ranging from 200-500 nm that the company will use to launch a business in 2010 offering a high-performance anode material for Li-ion cells.
Established in 1918, Tokai Carbon’s main current product lines are carbon black, fine carbon and graphite products, graphite electrodes for arc furnaces, friction materials and industrial furnace products.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Maxwell Technologies and Tianjin Lishen Batteries to Develop and Market Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS) Combining Ultracaps and Li-ion Batteries
November 19, 2007
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., Ltd., (Lishen), China’s leading producer of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, have formed an alliance through which they plan to manufacture and market novel hybrid energy storage system (HESS) products combining the companies’ respective ultracapacitor and li-ion battery technologies.
The companies have identified a number of initial target applications for the new products that leverage the complementary power-dense and energy-dense strengths respectively of double layer capacitor and li-ion battery technologies, ranging from quick-charge cordless tools to electric vehicles, and anticipate production and delivery of initial product samples in early 2008.