Recent announcements stemming from Ener1’s partnership with ITOCHU include the first project in the world linking grid storage, electric vehicles, rapid recharging infrastructure and solar power, working alongside Mazda Corporation and Think Global electric vehicle company (earlier post); the conversion of Japanese Postal trucks in the Kanagawa and Tokyo Prefectures (earlier post); and the development of an advanced rapid recharge technology, working alongside Kyushu Electric Power (KEPCO), the fourth largest power and utility company in Japan.

Separately, EnerDel has active relationships underway with automakers Think, Volvo, Mazda, Nissan (earlier post) and Fisker (earlier post). (At the recent LA Auto Show, Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker said that his company would announce the provider of their battery packs by the end of the year.) Ener1 battery packs are also being tested by the US Department of Defense in a prototype hybrid Humvee. (Earlier post.)

Last month, the company was chosen to supply the batteries that will power a DOE-funded smart grid energy storage project by Portland General Electric (PGE) that will help manage peak demand and smooth the variations in power from renewable sources like wind and solar. (Earlier post.)