Eagle-Picher Industries Inc. (Phoenix, AZ) announced the formation of a joint venture with Horizon Batteries Inc. (formerly Electrosource, Dallas, TX) to develop, manufacture and distribute a breakthrough, high-performance, sealed lead-acid battery. The new battery is based on a patented, woven-grid, process technology that reduces internal impedance for greater efficiency, faster recharge and higher cold cranking power.
The new battery will have the highest specific energy (45Wh/kg) of any lead-acid battery on the market today, according to the companies, and will be suitable for the emerging hybrid-electric vehicle and the industrial electric vehicle markets. The venture combines the technical capabilities of Horizon Batteries with the development and manufacturing capabilities of Eagle-Picher's Technologies business. Production of the Horizon battery is scheduled to begin this year. The product will be made in both China and the US.
Eagle-Picher Industries CEO John Weber stated, "This is an important step in validating our strategy of being the leading commercializer of new and advanced battery technology. Eagle Picher's reputation as a premier provider of high-performance energy sources will be enhanced by this latest development. I am excited by this announcement, which is the first in a series of new initiatives from Eagle-Picher."
