Firefly Energy Enters Manufacturing Contract with C&D Technologies for Microcell Foam Lead-Acid Batteries
28 October 2008
Firefly Energy, Inc., the developer of a portfolio of lead-acid battery technologies that exceed the traditional performance barriers of lead-acid chemistry, has signed a manufacturing contract with C&D Technologies, Inc. C&D is a leading North American producer and marketer of electrical power storage and conversion systems used in telecommunications, uninterrupted power supply systems, utility and other high reliability applications.
The contract establishes a manufacturing partnership between the two companies to produce Firefly-designed battery products in the Group 29/31 size for the trucking and off-highway equipment markets. Capable of almost double the run time and life of traditional lead-acid batteries, Firefly’s microcell foam technology enables significant economic payback as well as compliance with recent anti-idling legislation.
The first focus for this partnership will be for the Firefly “Oasis” battery. (Earlier post.) Firefly will provide microcell foam technology components, and C&D will manufacture the battery in their Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility.
Firefly is first and foremost an innovator, creating enabling energy technologies. We will continue to focus on product technologies, design, development and testing that compresses product development schedules while enhancing product quality and performance. We’re delighted to be associated with a company of C&D’s caliber, given the stringent requirements which C&D has long met in producing batteries of the highest quality for demanding telecom and data protection customers.
—Ed Williams, Firefly Energy CEO
Williams also announced that the production schedule for Firefly’s new Oasis battery will be adjusted to accommodate the new C&D relationship. Oasis batteries will be available in the 1st quarter 2009.
In June, Firefly Energy completed a $15-million Series C equity round of financing led by Quercus Trust, Khosla Ventures, and Infield Capital. The new investors joined existing Firefly Energy investors Caterpillar, BAE Systems, Husqvarna, KB Partners, the Illinois Finance Authority, and the Tri-County Venture Capital Fund. (Earlier post.)
Good to hear some news from Firefly after all this time. It may not be as glamorous as Li-on but it may be more economical.
Posted by: OldNeil | 28 October 2008 at 09:16 AM
Times awasting! Firefly needs to move their batteries into the market asap. Many DIY electric projects could use these bateries to boost performance and range without having to pay LiIon prices.
Also, the market is wide open for a starter battery with a long life cycle.
Get with it firefly! Or else someone else will steal your thunder and take your wallet! I suggest that you license your process and get the batteries on the market.
Posted by: Lad | 28 October 2008 at 09:24 AM
First Ultrabattery and now Firefly announce manufacturing in 2009. If these technologies were combined we would have a product that could make electric cars happen now.
Posted by: d burgdorff | 28 October 2008 at 01:54 PM
Can't wait to see the prices. If it is competitive with a sealed lead acid battery I may have to see if I can hustle my way into purchasing some for a few projects I have at home.
Posted by: | 28 October 2008 at 04:03 PM
Forget cars for now:
The real impact will be in terms of backup power systems for the short term. imagine buying a UPS for your computer that could last 10 years.
Posted by: Mike Z. | 28 October 2008 at 05:06 PM
Does it reduce weight significantly?
Posted by: swen | 29 October 2008 at 02:01 PM
What happened to the Firefly Energy contracts with Crown Battery in Freemont, Ohio and with NorthStar Battery of Springfield, Missouri that were announced in 2007?
Posted by: Estero | 29 October 2008 at 02:04 PM
swen,
Answer to your question is yes.
I can't speak specifically to the "Oasis" battery, but here is information on FireFly battery technology:
http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2008/01/fireflys-first.html “Firefly's First Battery for Plug-in Hybrids Presented to Sen. Dick Durbin” - January 2008
“Firefly planned to send samples of hybrid batteries to the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago this spring for testing” “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.”
“Firefly is already producing 3D batteries for trucks and for mobile lawn equipment.”
Posted by: mds | 01 November 2008 at 10:37 AM