Electric Cars Poised To Overcome Their Biggest Hurdle
http://seekingalpha.com/article/309402-electric-cars-poised-to-overcome-their-biggest-hurdle?source=yahoo
BEA-tricks, spearheaded by engineer Daniel Sperling, modified a Citroen Berlingo with 10 of the same lithium ion batteries used in theSmartForTwo (total output: 180 kWh), and drove it 621 miles (1000 km) from Flensburg to Munich
He points out that the record-breaking Audi A2 equipped with Kolibri batteries burst into flames two months after its record trip, and that the 1000-mile Schluckspecht-E made its trip on a closed track under ideal conditions.
Auto Manufacturers:
Ford (F)
Besides having a growing production line of gas powered vehicles, Ford has become an early leader in the transformation of delivery van "fleets" with their transit connect program.
GM (GM)
The Volt may not out sell gas powered vehicles in show rooms this year, but it represents a "first mover" advantage in the eventual mass production of EVs.
Nissan (NSANF.PK)
The leaf gives Nissan more of a "first mover" advantage than the volt, but only slightly.
Hong Kong listed BYD (1211-HK) (BYDDF.PK)
A real sleeper in the space. In 2008 it got a lot of press after the venerable Warren Buffett revealed a large investment in the Chinese auto and battery maker. Yes, they make automobiles for the largest growing market in the world, and they make both lithium-ion and Ni CD batteries both. They also manufacture lighting.
Battery manufacturers:
BYD
(as mentioned above)
A123 Systems (AONE)
Manufacturing of nano-iron phosphate cathode powder, electrode coatings, fabrication of battery cells and modules, and assembly of complete battery pack systems.
Ener1, Inc. (HEV)
Production of lithium-ion cells and packs.
Lithium producers:
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) largest producer of lithium in the world. Produces lithium as a byproduct of its massive potash operations in Chile. (One drawback is that, because it is solely a brine producer, it sells lithium only on the spot market, which precludes it from signing long-term contracts with auto makers who need a guarantee of supply which the spot market cannot offer.)
Talison Lithium (TLTHF.PK) and (TLH-TSE)
The largest "pure" lithium producer in the world.Currently produces lithium from spodomen at Greenbushes, Australia plant and supplies 300 customers world wide, mostly in China. Currently producing at capacity, with plans to increase capacity by 100% in 2012 to meet demand. Spodomen producer able to sign long-term contracts with auto makers or any buyer. Acquired major brine properties in Chile in 2010 and plans to become the first supplier with both spodomen and brine production, thereby guaranteeing long-term and low price production.
Lithium Juniors:
Rodinia Lithium (RDNAF.PK) (RM-TSE)
Owns 3 of the top 25 lithium properties in the world. Two best properties are at the Salar De Diabillos in Argentina and Clayton Valley Nevada.
Western Lithium: (WLCDF.PK) (WLC-TSE)
Large clay deposit in Kings Valley Nevada and a partnership with Argonne National Labratory to collaborate on producing better lithium products.
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PolyPlus Lithium Battery Named One of TIME Magazine’s Top Inventions for 2011
BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PolyPlus (www.polyplus.com), a developer of high-energy, lithium metal batteries, today announced that its lithium battery has been named one of TIME Magazine’s 50 best inventions for 2011.
We are following here development of Lithium batteries for the Electric Cars with established players like Toyota and very aggressive new comers like DBM Energy from Germany.
Lithium Jolt: Toyota Motor has developed a secondary electric car battery that can last up to 1,000 km per charge
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This article is completely nonsensical. All it says is that the more batteries you use, the longer range you get. The delivery van in question got 600 miles out of a 180 kWh battery pack. A Nissan Leaf gets up to 100 miles out of a 24 kWh battery pack. 6X larger battery pack = 6X greater range. Duh.
The problem is that a car or delivery van with a 180 kWh battery would be prohibitively expensive. The batteries alone for such a vehicle would cost a minimum of $100K, probably more. A previous commenter indicated that A123 is selling battery packs to Smith for $625 per kWh, which may be accurate. But assuming its accurate, it costs A123 far more than $625 per kWh to make them. A123 is losing tons of money and has a huge negative gross margin.
