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Low Cost, High Power Battery

In the quest for “greener” cars, the key seems to be finding battery technology that’s not only inexpensive, but efficient, durable and lighter weight. Now, a new lithium ion phosphate technology may finally catapult electric vehicles from niche product to mass-market.

The new battery is known as Nanophosphate EXT, and its developer has not divulged the details of their proprietary design. However, by improving the efficiency of the electrode-electrolyte interface and the way electrons move through the system, they’ve been able to produce some significant results: 20 percent more power over a wider range of temperatures (minus 30 to plus 60 degrees Celsius) in a form factor that’s half the weight and 30 percent smaller in size than their lead acid counterparts. Although the new batteries are currently more expensive, they’re expected to last much longer, making overall cost lower in the longer run.

For information: A123 Systems, 200 West Street, Waltham, MA 02451; phone: 617-778-5700; fax: 617-924-8910; Web site: www.a123systems.com  

Daniel Burrus' Top Twenty Technology-Driven Trends for 2012