EnerDel Joins With Nissan To Research Key Battery Technology Material

By Eric Loveday

Eric Loveday

Author BIO

Eric Loveday is a car enthusiast with a love for everything automotive. He purchased a 1970 Chevelle at age 16, quickly outgrew its dated engineering... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Mercedes to Meet Future CAFE Requirements With Hybrid Vehicles
Failure to meet CAFÉ standards can result in stiff fines for automakers.  In particular, Mercedes... Read More

• N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
• 797ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 0COMMENTS POSTED

1,773 views Aug 1, 2009

EnerDel Banner

Enlarge Photo

EnerDel and Nissan Motor Co. have joined together to conduct research into conductive materials for batteries powering EVs and hybrids.  The research will be co-funded by both companies and will focus on finding a new electrolyte material to conduct electricity between the electrodes of the battery.

 The program got underway earlier this week at the Argonne National Laboratory in the Chicago area.  According to the CEO of EnerDel Charles Gassenheimer, "The project is about continuing the evolution of a critical technology."  Gassenheimer went on to say, "Nissan is one of the leading companies driving the electric vehicle market today.  Over 12 months of discussions on this effort, our management and technical teams have had a tremendous opportunity to get to know one another.  We are looking forward to successful realization of the project's important goals."

The research effort between the two companies will focus solely on the electrolyte of the battery.  EnerDel has worked with Argonne on many projects in the past.  They have received awards for some of their combined efforts including the development of the lithium titanate battery technology.  The research lab and EnerDel have a successful past and Nissan hopes to join in the successes. 

Funding from Nissan will provide the means for the research effort to go into full swing and if successful, Nissan will have access to a breakthrough battery material.

As Dr. A; Sattelburger of Argonne said, "Our collaboration symbolizes how the best and brightest minds in America can work hand in hand with captains of industry to create best in class technology solutions.  This is an opportunity to make a major new contribution to the future of electric drive in the U.S. and to forge a closer relationship with a major global car maker."

Bringing together the premier battery maker in the U.S., with a leading research lab, and a major automaker is a grand accomplishment.  With funds ready, and research underway, we can only hope for good things.  The electrolyte research could provide a breakthrough in battery technology and these companies yearn to be in from the beginning.

We will update you as the research progresses, stay with us for more information.

Source:  EnerDel Press Release

Lithium‐Ion Battery Maker EnerDel Teams With Nissan

to Research Key Electric Vehicle Battery Material

Research to be Centered at Argonne National Lab in Chicago

(Indianapolis – July 30, 2009) Advanced lithium‐ion automotive battery producer EnerDel and the Nissan Motor Co. of Japan are teaming up to research a new generation of electrical conductive material intended to reduce cost and improve the performance of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries.

“This project is about continuing the evolution of a critical technology,” said Charles Gassenheimer, CEO and Chairman of EnerDel parent company Ener1, Inc. (NASDAQ: HEV). “Nissan is one of the leading companies driving the electric vehicle market today. Over 12 months of discussions on this effort, our management and technical teams have had a tremendous opportunity to get know one another. We are looking forward to successful realization of this project’s important goals.”

EnerDel recently cut the ribbon at one of the most advanced battery production lines for large format cells at its Indianapolis plant. The facility is currently the only high volume manufacturing facility for automotive lithium‐ion batteries in the U.S.