Battery maker in electric car breakthrough

A US manufacturer said yesterday it had developed a new automotive battery which can perform in extreme temperatures, offering the potential to cut the cost of making electric cars. Massachusetts-based A123 Systems said its Nanophosphate EXT would “reduce or eliminate the need for heating or cooling systems, which is expected to create sizeable new opportunities” for automotive and other types of batteries. “We believe Nanophosphate EXT is a game-changing breakthrough that overcomes one of the key limitations of lead acid, standard lithium ion and other advanced batteries,” chief executive David Vieau said. He said the new battery technology “can reduce or even eliminate the need for costly thermal management systems, which we expect will dramatically enhance the business case for deploying A123’s lithium ion battery solutions for a significant number of applications.” Testing showed the battery can retain more than 90% of its initial capacity at 45C (113F). It also can deliver starting power at minus 30C (22 below Fahrenheit). Yann Guezennec, professor of mechanical engineering at the Ohio State University who participated in testing, said the new technology “could be a game-changing battery breakthrough for the electrification of transportation, including the emerging micro hybrid vehicle segment.” The announcement comes amid sputtering sales in the US of electric cars, and doubts about whether the high purchase costs will be justified by lower operating costs. From gulftimes