Enerize and FiFe Batteries Announce Partnership to Develop Li-Ion Batteries for HEV Applications
Enerize Corp., an emerging alternative energy company, and FiFe Batteries Ltd., a developer of second-generation lithium-ion battery technology in the United Kingdom, have announced a partnership to develop what is described as safe, low-cost, high-energy Li-ion rechargeable batteries for various applications including hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV).
These batteries will feature advanced electrode materials based on new types of TiO2 used by FiFe, as well as high conductivity/high tap density MnO2 and low cost modified natural graphite developed by Enerize. In combination, these new materials have the potential to deliver what is claimed to be significantly improved durability, reduced self discharge and lower cost than conventional Li-ion batteries.
The new materials will be complemented by other proprietary Li-ion technologies developed by Enerize and FiFe, including electrolyte additives for increased cycling stability and new electrode coating process that will allow the batteries to deliver more power on demand. During manufacture, new nondestructive test systems from Enerize will be used for quality control. Enerize nondestructive methods and systems can also be applied for real-time in-line quality control at the facilities of other battery manufacturers.
Dr. Elena Shembel, CEO and co-founder of Enerize Corp., commented, "Development of safe, low cost, high efficiency Li-ion batteries is critical for new electronic devices and next generation hybrid electric vehicles. We believe that our partnership will address these requirements, and we are excited to work with FiFe Batteries in this endeavor. Rob Neat has an impressive track record of successful exploitation of IP and technology-based products, including successful management of Li-ion cell manufacturing businesses. We are also looking forward to working with auto manufacturers on the in-vehicle integration and testing of the new Li-ion batteries."
Dr. Rob Neat, CEO of FiFe Batteries, commented, "We believe that our partnership represents a strong combination of R&D and manufacturing capabilities. We are impressed with the IP portfolio and R&D capabilities of Enerize Corp. and are looking forward to complementing it with our R&D and manufacturing capabilities. Our joint goal is to produce multi-ton quantities of these new materials for electrodes, as well as development and testing of battery cells, modules, and packs."
