A123 Systems
A123Systems is a developer of next generation Lithium-Ion batteries. Founded in 2001, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Major investors in the company include General Electric's Commercial Finance division, Alliance Capital, FA Technology Ventures, North Bridge Venture Partners, Sequoia Capital, OnPoint, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Motorola, Qualcomm, and Proctor & Gamble, through its Duracell division.
History
In November 2005, A123Systems announced[1] a new higher power, faster recharging Li-Ion battery system[2][3] based on research licensed from MIT. Their first cell is in production (1Q/2006)[4] and being used in DeWalt power tools, aviation engine start, hybrid busses and PHEV conversions.
In December 2006, A123Systems was awarded a $15 million development contract by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), an organization composed of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation. USABC awarded the contract in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to optimize the A123Systems proprietary doped nanophosphate battery technology for hybrid electric vehicle applications with a focus on systems that are high-power, abuse-tolerant, long lasting and cost effective.
On February 26 2007, President of A123Systems David Vieau met with President George W. Bush and Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman at the White House to inspect a Battery Range Extender Module that can be easily installed in the spare tire well of most hybrid vehicles. This would enable current production models to become plug-in hybrids capable of achieving 150 or more miles per gallon and optionally replace the discharged battery in the module, instead of recharge it, to extend the range.
In May 2007,BAE Systems announced that, starting in 2008, it will offering A123´s lithium ion battery technology as part of its HybriDrive Propulsion System used in hybrid buses
Uses
Batteries developed by A123Systems are being used in the following products:
Power Tools
Black & Decker is currently using batteries made by A123Systems in a line of Dewalt power tools, as a heavy-duty 36-volt power tool platform. The 36-volt power tools provide users with increased levels of power and runtime, at a similar or less weight than their corded counterparts. The line includes a hammerdrill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, impact wrench, rotary hammer, jigsaw, flashlight and combo kits.
Vehicles
- Chevrolet VOLT
- Saturn VUE Green Line plug-in hybrid development program
- Venture Vehicles VentureOne
- Model airplanes (electric powered)
See also
- FreedomCAR
- Hybrids Plus, first PHEV conversion company to use A123 cells
- Hymotion, PHEV company owned by A123 Systems