ZAP and ABAT Join Forces to Commercialize Nanotech Batteries for EVs
Electric car pioneer ZAP and lithium-polymer and nanotech battery developer Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (ABAT) announced the opening of a joint development office in Beijing to expand their research, manufacturing and marketing of advanced batteries for electric cars using the latest in nanotechnology.
ZAP recently completed a purchase agreement to acquire $5.168 million in lithium-polymer and nanotech batteries from ABAT for use in ZAP’s line of XEBRA electric cars and trucks as well as other vehicles and battery systems. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider concluded the agreement recently after meeting with ABAT Chairman Zhigou Fu and touring his facilities in Beijing and Harbin.
"After spending a great deal of time with Mr. Fu, we believe he is a true visionary with the desire to improve the environment through technology," said Schneider. "We are looking forward to testing these new batteries in our ZAP cars, trucks, motorbikes and other vehicles."
ABAT is incorporating the latest in nanotechnology to create lithium-polymer batteries with a higher energy density while improving the performance, life expectancy and safety. In a recent communication regarding ZAP’s annual shareholder meeting, Fu praised ZAP’s progress. "These are indeed impressive and noteworthy results for ZAP’s work. The company is strong and growing in a world market with strong competition and capable competitors. The ability to deliver these products and achieve these results is a credit to your leadership, ZAP’s management and the dedication and hard work of your employees."
According to the companies, lithium ion batteries have been a leading technology for electric cars for years. While the technology has been proven in smaller formats, it was found to be less stable in larger formats. Because they are inert, nanoparticles do not sulfate in reaction with the chemistry of lithium-polymer batteries, unlike conventional graphite electrode materials. This innovation is said to provide a more stable battery system, allowing larger format lithium batteries with a safer, more robust chemistry.
These smaller, nanoparticles also create a greater surface area – up to 100 times greater – allowing for what is claimed to be a faster, shorter-distance transmission of electrons in and out of the battery, adding to the energy density while increasing the charge and discharge rate for improved performance. The more stable battery chemistry is also said to add to the life expectancy of the battery, with an estimated cycle life of more than 1000 charges, more than double that of conventional batteries. According to the companies, what this means for electric cars is three to five times greater performance in terms of range and speed, as well as faster charge times, in some cases as little as ten minutes.
