batteries

Batteries are a defining component of electrified vehicles and will need to halve in cost and double in energy density in the next two decades without using unsustainable materials or manufacturing processes, says Dave Greenwood— professor of advanced propulsion of the Warwick Manufacturing Group. 

And in the long term, it can’t be done without outside industry input, the academic said.

Battery makers will need to work as part of “innovative ecosystems” to successfully launch new technologies onto the market, according to a new report.

The report by consulting firm Arthur D Little said “no single company will be able to come out on top without the support of an intricate and dynamic innovation ecosystem made up of partners, start-ups and institutes”.

Nissan has called off the sale of its batteries business to Chinese private equity firm GSR Capital, saying the buyer failed to raise the cash required.

A number of Chinese firms including lithium manufacturer Zhejiang Unifull Industrial Fibreand lead-acid battery maker Camel had said they would join GSR in the reported $1 billion acquisition of Nissan subsidiary Automotive Energy Supply Corp and manufacturing operations in Japan, the UK and US.

General Motors and Honda have formed a new partnership— to develop next-generation batteries for pure electric vehicles (EVs).

The car firms said their new “multi-year” venture is expected to develop “advanced” chemistry battery components, including battery cells and modules for next-generation battery systems to be used in GM’s EVs mainly for the North American market.