1) Panasonic EV Energy Co. Electric Vehicle Batteries: Shizuoka, Japan
Panasonic EV Energy Co. is likely the world's largest producer of electric and hybrid automotive batteries, as they currently supply nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery packs for Toyota and Honda (Civic and Insight) hybrids. Worth approximately ¥13 billion, the company's been mass-producing NiMH hybrid batteries since 1997.
While Panasonic EV Energy Co. is currently the world's leading supplier of nickel metal hydride, they're turning their focus on lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) batteries after a recently announced joint venture with Toyota. Their experience with NiMH hybrid batteries should make the shift of focus to lithium-ion easier.
Official Site.
2) A123Systems Electric Vehicle Batteries: Watertown, Mass., USA
Using proprietary 'Nanophosphate' technology initially developed at MIT, A123Systems focuses exclusively on high-power lithium-ion batteries. A123Systems' technology has garnered major corporate support from companies like GE, Ford and GM for the development of electric automotive batteries, as well as electric motorcyle batteries.
The most radical display of their battery technology is on the "
KillaCyle" motorcycle, the world's fastest electric vehicle. The A123Systems battery can propel the motorcycle nearly 180 mph. The KillaCycle's battery can also push it to 100 mph in 1 second. A123Systems also manufactures rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, 120V or 220V AC power, and powerpacks for internal combustion engines. The company is privately-held.
Official Site.
3) Valence Technologies Electric Vehicle Batteries: Austin, Tex., USA
One of the oldest and most established battery makers for electric and hybrid cars, Valence Technologies was founded in 1989. Since then, their lithium-ion batteries have ended up in almost everything, from buses to wheelchairs to robots. Valence's client list includes Segway, Renault and Siemens.
Instead of the lithium cobalt batteries used to powers laptop and cell phone devices, Valence uses a lithium iron magnesium phosphate solution for greater performance and safety. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Valence also has facilities in Nevada, China and Northern Ireland. The public company is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker,
VLNC.
Official Site.
4) SB LiMotive Electric Vehicle Batteries: Giheung, Korea, and Stuttgart, Germany
SB LiMotive is a joint venture between Bosch and Samsung. The venture is dedicated solely to the production and manufacture of lithium-ion electric vehicle automotive batteries. Some 200 R&D employees are working in cell test facilities in Giheung, Korea, and Stuttgart, Germany, to perfect automotive battery cells that will begin production in 2011.
SB LiMotive was selected to produce batteries for BMW's upcoming family of vehicles to be dubbed Megacity. All the vehicles in the new line will be electric or low-emission hybrid, and they'll be powered by SB LiMotive's lithium-ion technology. The company has set the ambitious goal of increasing lithium-ion battery power by 30-40 percent within three years.
Official Site.
The most radical display of their battery technology is on the "
KillaCyle" motorcycle, the world's fastest electric vehicle. The A123Systems battery can propel the motorcycle nearly 180 mph. The KillaCycle's battery can also push it to 100 mph in 1 second. A123Systems also manufactures rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, 120V or 220V AC power, and powerpacks for internal combustion engines. The company is privately-held.
Official Site.
5) Johnson Controls, Inc., Electric Vehicle Batteries: Milwaukee, Wis., USA
Based in Milwaukee, battery-maker Johnson Controls Inc. was selected to provide hybrid batteries in a partnership with battery producer, Saft Groupe SA of France for the upcoming Ford Escape. The lead acid automotive battery will recharge via electric outlets. Johnson Controls Inc. is a public company on the NYSE, ticker
JCI.
Official Site.
