A123 Systems
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A123Systems is a supplier of high-power Lithium-Ion batteries (lithium iron phosphate).
Founded in 2001, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The company has over 1,100 employees and is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Major investors in the privately held company include General Electric, Alliance Capital, Sequoia Capital, North Bridge Venture Partners, CMEA Ventures, FA Technology Ventures, OnPoint, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Motorola, Qualcomm, and Procter & Gamble, through its Duracell division.
History
In November 2005, A123Systems announced a new higher power, faster recharging lithium ion battery system[1] based on doped Nanophosphate materials licensed from MIT.
The company mass produces a variety of cells being used in DeWalt power tools, aviation engine start, hybrid buses, hybrid vehicles, EV's 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 recharging it, to extend the range.
On May 2007, BAE Systems announced that, starting in 2008, it will offer A123Systems' lithium ion battery technology as part of its HybriDrive Propulsion System used in the 2008 version of the Daimler Orion VII hybrid buses.
On August 2007, General Motors announced plans to co-develop lithium-ion battery cells for the Chevrolet Volt with A123Systems.
On August 2008, the Company filed a registration statement for a proposed initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Uses
There are a number of companies using A123Systems high power batteries including:
Power Tools
Black & Decker used A123 systems batteries in its VPX product line.[2]
Vehicles
A123Systems cells have garnered considerable interest in the automotive market due to their unique combination of power, safety and life. Several automakers and heavy duty vehicle manufacturers are developing vehicles using A123Systems cells.
- Killacycle, the worlds quickest EV capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-60MPH) in less than 1 second.
- Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid development program
- Daimler Buses North America (Orion VII). The number one selling hybrid electric bus in the world. Currently operating in New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Dallas and other major cities.
- Venture Vehicles VentureOne
- Th!nk
See also
- Chevrolet Volt
- FreedomCAR
- Hymotion, PHEV company owned by A123 Systems
- Silicon Valley Leadership Group
- Valence Technology
References
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=20570&ch=specialsections&sc=batteries&pg=3