Hybrid Tech Holdings, one of the companies seeking to acquire Fisker Automotive’s assets in bankruptcy court, has formed an alliance with Massachusetts-based battery supplier Boston-Power. As reported by Delaware Online, the new alliance could help Hybrid Tech compete with Chinese auto parts giant Wanxiang, which has submitted a rival bid. Fisker’s future is expected to… Read more »
The potential of aluminum as an energy storage medium is no secret – you may have seen the internet videos showing how to make a crude battery from aluminum foil, charcoal and salt. However, a company called Phinergy has a much grander (and hopefully more practical) vision. The Israeli startup has signed a joint development… Read more »
Researchers have been interested in silicon as a replacement for carbon in battery anodes for many years, as it has roughly ten times more storage capacity. However, there’s also a tragic flaw: silicon atoms absorb lithium atoms, causing the silicon to expand up to three times in volume, degrading the battery. Now a team at… Read more »
After a stellar 2013, overall auto sales took a big dip in January, and plug-ins were no exception to the trend. Auto sales slid 3% as snow and ice kept people away from dealerships. Total plug-in sales were little more than half of December’s (but still more than in January 2013). The LEAF was firmly… Read more »
The separator segment is sizzling – these critical battery components that keep anode and cathode from a disastrous meeting have been much in the news lately. Polypore International (NYSE:PPO) announced this week that its Celgard subsidiary has entered into a long-term agreement to supply separators to Samsung SDI for its EV and energy storage system… Read more »
Sequoia Equities, a major manager of multifamily properties on the West Coast, has partnered with NRG eVgo to provide EV charging to 28 apartment communities across California. Knowing that EV charging can influence a consumer’s choice of a place to live, Sequoia has selected eVgo’s Ready for Electric Vehicle (REV) program, a solution intended to… Read more »
Motorcycles represent one of the most exciting, and potentially profitable, niches for EVs. Many motorsports enthusiasts predict that it’s only a matter of time before electrics two-wheelers totally dominate the racetrack. However, the potential for huge sales is found on the streets of the developing world, where a motorcycle is more likely to be an… Read more »
Celgard, a subsidiary of Polypore International (NYSE:PPO), has filed a complaint against LG Chem, alleging that the Korean chemical giant has infringed one of Celgard’s US patents for a battery separator. The patent in question covers ceramic composite layer lithium-ion battery separators. Celgard filed the lawsuit following a lengthy period of discussions with LG regarding… Read more »
Samsung Ventures Investment Corporation has invested an undisclosed amount in graphene manufacturer XG Sciences, which the company will use to fund additional R&D. Lansing, Michigan-based XG Sciences manufactures energy storage materials based on the company’s xGnP graphene nanoplatelets and XG Leaf graphene sheet products. Last April, the company launched graphene-stabilized silicon anode materials for Li-ion… Read more »
Is there still time to avoid a war in Europe? Even as EVSE manufacturers like ABB are trying to defuse the brewing battle of the fast-charging standards by offering dual-standard chargers, Nissan, the backer of the CHAdeMO standard, seems determined to create facts on the ground. The Japanese EV maker recently installed Europe’s 1,000th CHAdeMO… Read more »
